iiiilii 






i.f.)V;;v. 



!',|:n^;.,.:i 


















,.';;:^i: 



|i, ;;'||;'i|ii'il(;:j;;j,lMli,j;\;ij|7:.ii 1, 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



0QDD3iatD477 



wm§ 



■li 






'.I'll! 



* 'fit! 'Ffiift^ '•!''! I'^^i^^^ 






iili iii li ■;:i!ii'?^ 








• 1 1 











^AO^ 





• • « \ ' 



'h9 







'-^0' 





■^^ 



» A 




^oV" 








•<"^ 

/v 






■i<^. 



15>' -J 






"oV" 







.♦^-v. 













THE PRICE 



THE PRICE 

A Play in Three Acts 



Te^V^.'V^*^'- 



qI^ 



Printed by 

GEOROE W. JACOBS & COMPANY 
PHILADELPHIA 



' Ml' 



COPYBIGHT, 1911 
BY GEORGE W. JACOBS & COMPANY 



All dramatic rights 

and all rights of reproduction 

reserved 



©CID 24660 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Act I, Scene I 9 

Act I, Scene II 41 

Act II 59 

Act III 85 



THE PKICE. 



IN THEEE ACTS. 



Time — Present. Place — A Certain City. 



CHAEACTEKS. 
Dk. Clothier. 

Peter Maclain, his assistant, and medical ad- 
viser to the Alms House. 
The Dean. 

Mr. Garvin, assistant district attorney. 
Sam Weber. 
Poleman. 
Helen Clothier. 
Hedria Meyers. 
Whiskey Sallie. 
Maid. 

7 



8 The Price 



PATIEl^TS. 

Man with a Cough. 
Old Gentleman^. 
Irritable Gentleman. 
Lady in Black. 
Lady in Mauve. 
Lady with Dog. 



SCElSrES. 
Act I. 

Scene I. — Waiting-room in Dr. Clothier s 

office^ ten A. M. 
Scene II. — Same. Three hours later. 
[Between Scenes I and II the curtain should he 
lowered, to denote the passing of time.] 
Act II. 

Peter s room. Eleven o'clock, the same 

evening. 
Act III. 

Same. Seven o'cloch, the next morning. 
The whole action of the play occurs within 
twenty-four hours. 



ACT I 

Scene I 



ACT I. 

Scene I. — Doctor Clothier s waiting-room. 

Typical waiting-room of a prosperous fash- 
ionable doctor. Door to left, leading out into 
main hall. Door hack, leading into office. On 
right, marble mantel, with heavily framed en- 
gravings of eminent physicians of the past. 
Left of mantel, desJc with pill and medicine 
cabinet of carved mahogany over it. Heavy 
prints of surgical operations, eminent medical 
scientists, etc., hang on walls. Chairs line the 
sides of the room. Large table, center, brass 
inkwell, pad, etc., vase of expensive flowers, piles 
of current magazines. As curtain rises the room 
is filled with patients, distinguished as middle- 
aged lady dressed in mauve; old gentleman with 
gold cane; fussy middle-aged man with weak 
throat; tall, severe lady, carrying silk bag and 



10 The Price 



lap dog, much to the annoyance of irritable gray- 
haired gentleman, whose whole attitude is one of 
severe disapproval of its presence. They are all 
reading magazines and papers, and their gen- 
eral appearance and positions indicate expecta- 
tion and impatience. The young man with the 
weak throat coughs; they all looh up, and then 
resume reading. The old gentleman seizes the 
opportunity to rise stiffly and go to the table, ex- 
changes his magazine. Hurries bach quichly to 
his chair near door, as very stout, healthy look- 
ing, elaborately dressed lady in black rustles in. 
She looks about for a seat. Seeing lady in 
mauve sitting on sofa beside fussy, irritable gen- 
tleman, down right, crossing over to her, gush- 
ingly. 

Lady ii^ Black. How are you, my dear? 
[Sits down beside her on three inches of sofa 
and the rest on man. There is a violent but 
effectual upheaval. 



The Price 11 



Lady in Mauve. [Moving over one or two 
inches; with great ejfusion.] Some days I 

think myself really better, and then 

Lady in Black. [Moving nearer; interrupt- 
ing; rapidly.] My case, exactly. I have to be 

so careful with my diet 

[Fussy, middle-aged gentleman, emerging 
from total eclipse, speechless from rage 
and lack of breath. Tries vainly during 
the rest of the scene to extricate himself 
entirely. 

Lady in Mauve. My back [Talks. 

Lady in Black. N^othing — absolutely noth- 
ing. A few [Talks. 

Lady in Mauve. The doctor's afraid 

[Talks. 
Lady in Black. All germinous foods — you 

can't believe [Talks. 

Lady in Mauve. [In a penetrating whis- 
per.] An operation [Talks. 



12 The Price 



Lady in Black. I lacked nutrition, but 
now [Talhs. 

Lady in Mauve. — Of course, the doctor says 
nothing [Talks. 

Lady in Black. Fifty-five separate kinds of 
germs. 

[The hack office doors opens. Everybody 
turns, facing it. 

Petek. [Coming out of hack office, a tall, 
heavily huilt man of about thirty-five or forty; 
brown hair and close-cropped beard; rugged fea- 
tures; a mouth that sets in a straight, determined 
line; gray, humorous, kindly eyes, that can 
harden like flint. He is dressed in a well- 
tailored hut quiet suit of business clothes. Look- 
ing at them, quietly.] I am sorry, but the doc- 
tor has just 'phoned that he missed his train. 
[Looking around.] Is there anything I can do ? 
[Everybody, rising, begins to button up 
and go out. 



The Price 13 



Lady in Black. [To Lady in Mauve.] 
What on earth will I eat ? 

Lady in Mauve. Why [with a look at Peter, 
who is watching with just a twinkle in his eye] 
don't you ask him ? 

Lady in Black. [Indignantly.] Ask him? 
I did, once, and he said, "Beef.'' 
[They go out, talking together. 

Ieeitable Gentleman. Well! [Rising.] 
After waiting an hour — an hour — [to Peter] 
you tell him I have waited an hour. 

Petee. I am very sorry. If there is any- 
thing I can do 

Ieeitable Gentleman. [8norting,] You? 
Thank you — no. [Goes out. 

Seveee Old Gentleman. Office hours are 
office hours. 

Petee. He will be here at one-thirty. 

Seveee Old Gentleman. Hum! [Goes 
out. 



14 The Price 



Lady with Dog. [SpeaMng to dog.] You 
poor, dear darling. [Exit. 

Helen. [A slender^ dainty girl of about 
twenty-four, dressed in a simple walking suit. 
Coming in, followed hy the Dean; after standing 
aside, as they go out, to Peter.'] What's the 
row? [Looking around.] Where's dad? 

Petee. Missed his train, and I offered to 
officiate. 

Helen. [Laughing.] Oh! 

The Dean. [A little, dried-up, ruddy-faced 
clergyman, with a pair of twinkling eyes; shak- 
ing his head.] Dear, dear, Maclain. 

Helen. [Beginning to unfasten her hat.] 
Kever mind, Peter. 

[Enter Maid, followed hy Hedria. 

Maid. [Dressed in very neat black, and 
proper white trimmings; turning to Hedria; 
curtly. You can wait here, now. [Goes out. 
[Hedria looks around vaguely. 



The Price 15 



Petee. [Puzzled; looking at her; crossing 
over to her.] What can I do for you? 

Hedria. [An emaciated, worn figure of 
ivhat might he a girl in years, hut a woman in 
experience. The face, heavily lined with wrhi- 
hles, has shrunken cheeks and prominent cheek- 
hones under long, ivispy, lifeless strands of hair. 
The eyes are the only unusual feature; deep, 
sunken and unnaturally hright, yet with a look 
of hewildered, hopeless suffering thai smolders 
and flames into passionate hate. She is dressed 
in an old, luorn, spotted, hlack satin skirt, a 
faded red jacket, with her hat over one ear. 
Speaking in a hoarse, rasping whisper.] I am 
here by appointment. [Grosses over, and sits 
down in left-hand corner. She hegins to cough 
in a horrihle, racking way. 

Helen. [Turning; pityingly.] Oh! 

Peter. [Pouring something into a glass; cross- 
ing over to her; kindly.] You'd better take this. 



16 The Price 



Hedria. [Shaking her head,] 'No [press- 
ing her hand against her side] . It don't do no 
good [wearily]. ]S[othin' does no good. 

Peter. [Not unkindly.] I am afraid the 
doctor won't be here for a while. 

Hedria. [As if repeating a lesson.] I am 
here by appointment. 

Helei^. [To Peter j as he comes bach and 
puts the glass down, dropping her voice.] Can't 
jou do something? Can't it be cured? 

Peter. [Shaking his head.] Consumption 
— the last stage. 

The Dean. [Who has been watching Hedria 
intently; aside, to Peter.] It isn't all consump- 
tion. 

[Peter, meeting his look, nods. 

Helen. It would kill me to be a doctor — 
to see nothing but pain and suffering. I 
couldn't stand it. And yet, doctors are al- 
ways cheerful. [Looking at Peter, her eyes 



The Price 17 



dancing.] I don't believe they have any 

hearts. 

Petee. E"o; I lost mine. 

Helei^. [LooMng at him, and 'picking up 
her hat, laughing.] Oh! [Patting his arm.] 
Goose! [Goes out. 

The Dean^. [LooMng after her.] What a 
little woman she is ! You're a lucky man, 

Maclain, a lucky [As Hedria coughs 

again; shuddering.] How horrible! 

Peter. I am getting used to it. One sees 
so much of it at B . 

The Dean. B ? The Alms House? 

[Turning quickly.] And how do they get 
there? Who sends them there? 

Peter. I have often thought of that. 

The Dean. [Working himself up; unconr 
sciouMy raising his voice.] Thought of it. 
Oh, yes. But never asked, hey? They must 
have a certificate. Who gives it to them ? You 



18 The Price 



don't know. E^obody knows. Why ? Because — 
nobody wants to know. It's pleasanter — it's 
easier — ^to hold the door open and look the other 
way. 

Petee. [Wheeling around.] Well, I be 
damned ! [Loohing at the Dean, with 
a short laugh.] Do you know what you 
say? 

The Dean. [Earnestly.] Yes, I know. 
[Coming a step nearer.] I know what I say, 
but you [his voice trembling a little] ; you don't, 
Peter. If I could — if I could only make you 

see [Breaks off as Hedria begins to cough 

in a low, horrible, strangling way; turns; look- 
ing at her. 

Hedeia. [Clasping her side.] Water. 
[The Dean hurries over to small table — 
left — ivith silver pitcher and water 
glasses on it, fills one and crosses to her. 
She takes it greedily. 



The Price 19 



[Handing it hack; looking at him.] You're 
a fool. 

The Dean. [Startled.] My child! 
Hedeia. I ain't your child. [Looking at 
him, maliciously.] Least, I don't guess so. 
The Dean. [Drawing hack.] Oh! 
Dr. Clothier. [Entering, followed hy a 
maid carrying large doctor s instrument case. 
He is a heavily huilt, middle-aged man; well, 
hut quietly, dressed, with a manner of personal 
interest and kindly sympathy that is tremen- 
dously attractive, especially to ivomen. Looking 
around.] Why, what's the matter? Where's 
everybody ? 

[The maid crosses — left — and hands Peter 
the hag. 
Peter. I am very sorry, but they v^ouldn't 
stay. 

[Maid crosses over, takes water pitcher and 
glasses, and, with an expressive side 
glance at Hedria, goes out. 



20 The Price 



[Placing case on chair by cabinet.] I did 
my best — I offered my services. [Smiling,] 
You better get another assistant. 

De. Clothiek. [ShaJcing his head.] You'll 
do, Peter; you'll do. Only a little more sym- 
pathy, and you'll do. Sympathy's what they 
need. Sympathy's what they pay for. 'No mat- 
ter whether they're sick or not. The ones that 
aren't, need the most sympathy; they're harder 
to cure. [Seeing the Dean.] Ah, how are you, 
Dean? 

The Dean. [ShaJcing hands, cordially.] I 
just ran in with Helen. We are going down 
to the 

De. Clothiee. [Laughing.] Ah, these 
charities — always charities. [Frowning.] And 
yet, heaven knows, we seem to need them. [As 
Hedria coughs; starting.] Ah! 

Petee. She says she has an appointment. 

De. Clothiee. [Frowning.] An [Giv- 



The Price 21 



ing her a quick looh.] Oh, yes. [Crossing up 
stage; to Hedria; opening office door.] Step 
this way. 

[To Peter.] It won't take a minute. IGoes 
out, followed by Hedria. 

The Dean. Strange. A woman like that 
here. 

Petee. [Crossing over to left; opening the 
doctor's case; looking over contents.] l!^othing 
is strange for a doctor. [Opening cabinet, tak- 
ing out instruments from case, laying them on 
tray on ledge.] Doctors see things, and hear 
things, that you only think about. [Begins to 
refill the empty vials. 

The Dean. [Looking at him; lips twitch- 
ing.] And — preach about. [As Peter, his eye- 
brows slightly raised, steals a look at him sitting 
down in chair to right of table; earnestly.] But 
I'm not preaching. 

[Peter turns back to cabinet. 



22 The Price 



You mayn't hold the door open 

Petek. [Holding up bottle; examining con- 
tents; sweeily.] I am glad you grant that 
much. 

The Dean. Yes, I grant that; but [leaning 
forward] you don^t shut it. 

Peter. [Turning; staring at Mm.] Shut 
it! Do you think I could shut "the door" [he- 
ginning to fill a vial], as you call it? 

The Dean. [Slowly.] May be not, but you 
could make it not worth getting in. You could 
fight. 

Peter. [Slipping vial into case.] And get 
fired [looking up, snapping Ms fingers], like 
that. And that isn't the only consideration. 
There's another — common humanity. You've 
got to take the women in. They can't die out in 
the gutter. Why, if you saw that, you [turn- 
ing hack, beginning to get bandages, etc.] — ^why, 
you would be the first to shout brute. 



The Price 23 



The Dean. But I won't see it. [As Peter, 
turning, looks at him; leaning forward.] 
The gutters are to be open to the public, it would 
make the people think. 

[Peter, leaning against ledge, looks away; 
frowning. 

[In a lotu, tense voice.] And if once they 
thought [clinching his hands] — really thought 
[his eyes shining] — why, there would be an end 
[slowly, as Peter turns as if to speah] , not to all 
of it, but to much of it. It wouldn't be so easy, 
so smooth, so convenient. There wouldn't be so 
much room for the new — because they couldn't 
get rid of the old. Girls wouldn't be sucked 
down as they're sucked down now. It wouldn't 
be a drain — that flows out as it flows in — but a 
cesspool, that could only run over. [Rising, as 
Peter, getting down from the ledge, begins to 
put bandages, etc., into case; all earnest- 
ness.] I may be an '^old fool," but I'd 



24 The Price 



give all the years of my life for your chance. 
[Peter, looking up, squares his shoulders. 

To DO — NOT TO PEEACH. To fight for thosc 
souls that have nobody to fight for them. [As 
Hedria coughs, turning, looking in the direc- 
tion; in a low, unsteady voice.] Even if there 
was only one soul, one to have saved [his eyes 
going hach to door] from that. 

Helen. [Appearing at doorway; dressed in 
elaborate street dress, large muff tuclced under 
her arm, gloves in hand. Looking from one to 
the other, her eyes twinkling.] Sounds like a 
sermon. [Coming down.] Since Peter won't 
come to the sermon [handing the Dean her muff 
to hold] , bring the sermon to Peter. That's an 
excellent idea. [To Peter, beginning to draw 
on her gloves.] I hope you are converted ? 

Peter. [Smiling a little.] I'm not sure 
[stealing a look at the Dean] , not quite sure, but 

I think [Breaks off wincing as Hedria 

coughs again. 



The Price 25 



Helen. [8ta7'ting.] Oh. I [Looking around.] 
Where is the girl? 

Peter. [Snapping case shut.] In with 
your father. 

Helen. [Eagerly.] Has Dad come back? 
I do hope he can do something for her. [With 
conviction.] If any one can, Dad can. [To 
Peter.] Give him my love. 

Petee. [Shaking his head.] Never. 

Helen. [Laughing.] Oh, don't be silly. 

Peter. [Kissing her.] I can't help it. 

Helen. [Slipping away.] Oh, we'll shock 
the Dean. [Patting his arm; going to door; 
laughing.] Well, give him my daughterly af- 
fection. [ Goes out, followed hy the Dean. 

The Dean. [Turning at doorway; looking 
across at Peter, wistfully.] I've done all I 
could — I've preached. 

Peter. [Smiling slightly.] A jolly uncom- 
fortable sermon [slowly] that sticks. 



26 The Price 



Helen. [Reappearing at doorway; beckons; 
laughing.] Come — come on. [As the Dean 
hurries toward her; taking her muff.] You 
know what they'll [gently pushing him out he- 
fore] say. [About to close the door; poking 
her head in.] Peter, the 'phone's ringing. 
[Exit, followed by Peter. There is a slight 
pause. 

Petee. [Coming in, and crossing over to 
office door; rapping.] Doctor! 

[Dr. Clothier s voice.] Yes. 

Petee. Dr. Simons wants you over the 
'phone a minute. There is some new symptom 
in the Bertolet case. 

De. Clothiee. [Opening door.] All right. 
[Starting across room; pausing.] Oh! Peter, 
I wish you'd do something for me. Make out 
a certificate. 

Petee. [Starting.] A certificate? 

De. Clothiee. Yes — a poor house cer- 



The Price 27 



tificate [nodding toward Hedria, who has 
come to the door'], for her. [Goes out. 

Peter. [Turning^ and goi7ig over to desk; 
opening drawer, and picMng up a heavy, official- 
loohing order-booh ; evidently thinJcing deeply. 
Looks up and sees Iledria. Then, with an air 
of decision, recrosses to table, pulls up chair and 
sits; opening book.] Sit down, please. 
[Iledria drops wearily into a chair against the 
wall, staring at the floor. 

Peter. [Inking his pen; evidently reading 
from a form; beginning to write.] !N^ame — 
Hedria Meyers ? 

Hedria. [Indifferently.] I guess so. 

Peter. [Looking up.] You guess so? 

Hedria. Yes. 

Peter. [8loiuly.] Don't you know ? 

Hedria. [Indifferently.] They mostly call 
me that. 

Peter. [Writes it down; reading.] Father's 
name? 



28 The Price 



Hedkia. [In the same tone,] I don't know. 

Petek. [Looking up.] Hey? 

Hedeia. 'No, 

Petee. [Bending.] Mother's name. 

Hedeia. I don't know. 

Petee. Don't know who your mother was ? 

Hedeia. No. 

Petee. [Reading.] An orphan, then ? 

Hedeia. I don't know. 

Petee. You don't? 

Hedeia. No. 

Petee. [Reading.] In what county were 
you born ? 

Hedeia. I don't know. 

Petee. [Putting down pen; sharply.] Then, 
if you don't know in what part of the State you 
were born, and who your mother or father 

were, how do you expect to get into the Alms 
House ? 

Hedeia. [Looking up.] Say; drop it. 



The Price 29 



What's the use of lying. It's all fixed. 

Petek. What's fixed? 

Hedria. Me gettin' in. We always get in. 
I'm one of Sam's girls. [Coughing and chok- 
ing.] You can't say I ain't fit. 

Peter. [Slamming hook; quietly.] No; 
you're not fit. 

Hedria. [Staring at him dumbly.] Ain't 
yer goin' to give it to me ? 

Peter. [Sharply.] 'No. 

Hedria. [Getting up, and coming down; 
breathing rapidly.] But I'm Sam's girl. 

Peter. [Rising.] I do not care whose girl 
you are. [As Dr. Clothier comes in.] Doctor, 
I can't make out that certificate. 

Dr. Clothier. [Starting.] Hey? [Cross- 
ing over to Peter; sharply.] Why not? 

Peter. [Meeting his look.] Because she 
didn't answer a single question required by the 
certificate. 



30 The Pri 



rice 



Dr. Clothier. [Savagely.] 'Nonsense. 
The girl's crazy. [Facing Hedria; sharply.] 
Didn't you tell me your father's name was Frank 
Meyers ? 

Hedria. [Looking up, startled; then loolc- 
ing down, wearily.] Yes. 

Dr. Clothier. And your mother's — Matilda 
Meyers, nee Efflefinger? 

Hedria. Yes. 

Dr. Clothier. And you were horn in York, 
Pennsylvania ? 

Hedria. Yes. 

Dr. Clothier. [To Peter; sarcastically.] 
Anything else? 

Peter. [Who has been writing in his note- 
hooh; gravely.] That's all; thank you. [To 
Hedria.] As soon as I have this confirmed hy 
my agents, I'll send you the certificate. What's 
your address ? 

Hedria. [Startled.] My address? 



The Price 31 



Peter. Or else you can come for it at the 
end of the week. 

Hedria. The end of the Why, ain't 

I goin' there now ? 

Dr. Clothier. [Breaking in.] There's 
enough of this red tape; give the girl her cer- 
tificate. 

Peter. [Still; without looking up; quietly.] 
When I have made the necessary inquiries. 
Yes. 

Dr. Clothier. [Choking]. I told you it 
was all right. Do you mean to doubt my word ? 

Peter. I mean to doubt — nothing. 

Dr. Clothier. [Controlling himself with 
an effort; facing him.] Maclain, who got you 
your appointment? 

Peter. [Meeting his look; passionately.] 
You, and I mean to prove myself worthy of the 
trust. [Quietly.] If that girl tells the truth, 
she gets in ; if not 



32 The Price 



Hedria. [8 pinging to Iter feet; wildly.] 
But I've got to get in. [Clinging to the chair; 

swaying to and fro.] I'm one of [Breaks 

ojf^ as the doctor puts his hand heavily on her 
shoulder; after one quick, frightened look drops 
down into chair, exhausted. 

Dr. Clothier. [Facing Peter; in a low, dry 
voice.] You mean to examine all applications 
[moistening his lips] like this? 

Peter. I do. [Looking at him very in- 
tently.] And, if it is not in accordance with 
the regulations, to refuse it. 

Dr. Clothier. Even if it is personally en- 
dorsed by myself, as a director ? 

Peter. [His face whitening and setting.] 
Yes. 

Dr. Clothier. You do ? 

Peter. [Doggedly.] Yes. 

Dr. Clothier. The inevitable scandal which 
will be brought upon me [his voice trembling] — 



The Price 33 



and mine [Peter winces] — will be no deter- 
ment? 

Petee. [Breaking out] I [controlling 
himself with an effort; in the same quiet, im- 
personal voice] — I hope you will not force me 
to such a step. 

De. Clothiee. But if I do? [Wetting his 
lips; with a quich look toward Hedria; moving 
away from her toward Peter; dropping his 
voice.] If I must? 

Petee. [Starting] Must. [Incredulously.] 
You! [Slowly; looking at him.] If any one 
[his hand clinching] — any one had told me, that 
you — Helen's father 

De. Clothiee. [Meeting his look; coming 
one step nearer; quietly.] I'm tied — hand and 
foot — absolutely. 

Petee. [Below his breath.] God! 

De. Clothiee. If you refuse to do what — I 
ask [his voice trembling] — what I — mAist ask. 
If you force an issue 



34 The Price 



Petee. [Turning away.] I'm not forcing 
an issue. I simply refuse to sign the girl's cer- 
tificate [raising his head] — as I will refuse to 
sign others. 

De. Clothiee. [In the same, dead voice.] 
And if you do, they will crush you — and I — I 
can do nothing [emphasizing it] — nothing. 
[His voice trembling.] In Helen's name, I ask 
you not to refuse. 

Petee. [Wheeling around.] In Helen's 
name! [As Dr. Clothier nods; coming down; 
white with passion.] In Helen's name, you ask 
me to do — now — deliberately, what I did before 
unthinking? You ask me to help facilitate 
their [cheching himself] — their [bitterly] busi- 
ness? To do away with the refuse that other- 
wise would block and impede? To be their 
gutter-sweeper — their scavenger ? [ Gaining 
control of himself; with a savage little laugh.] 
Thank you ; I won't. I — I refuse. 



The Price 35 



Dr. Clothier. You refuse? 
Peter. Yes. 

Hedria. [Rising; wavering as she stands; 
in a low, hoarse voice.] You [coughing and 
choking] — you ain't a-going to give it — to me? 
Dr. Clothier. [Sharply,] Be still. 

[Hedria, with a quick, frightened looJc, 

moves ojf — left. 
[Peter s eyes follow her; his face setting 
and hardening. 
[To Peter; drawing out center chair; sit- 
ting heavily.] If you refuse, I must cut my- 
self free from you, [As Peter turning, looks 
at him; avoiding his eyes.] If I don't, my 
name will be dragged down into the gutter ; and 
my daughter's will go with it. 

[Peier starts; about to speak; checks him- 
self. 
[Moistening his lips.] You see, I have no 
choice. [Slowly; leaning across the table; hold- 



36 The Price 



ing out his hands.] I have made my last ap- 
peal. 

[There is a slight pause. 
\_Hedria, hreahing into a low, chohing 
cough, leans up against the wall. 
Petee. [His eyes on Hedria; slowly.] I — 
I can't. 

[There is a sound of woman s quick steps, 
a swish of silk skirts, and Helen appears 
hurriedly in the doorway. 
Helen. [Eagerly.] Oh, Daddy! [Paus- 
ing; looking from one to the other; her eyes 
twinkling. ] Why, you look like a funeral. Dis- 
cussing some nice, cheerful disease; I suppose. 
[Coming down.] Well, I won't interrupt you 
long. I only want ten dollars. Daddy. One's 
no good at a bazaar without ten dollars. [Slips 
her hand affectionately into Dr. Clothier s 
pocket. 

De. Clothiee. [Taking her hand.] Helen, 
you know me? 



The Price 37 



Helen. [Staring at him.] Know you? 
[Laughing.] I should think I do. 

Dk. Clothier. You know I have never 
asked anything unreasonable of you? 

Helen. [Shaking her head; her eyes danc- 
ing. ] Never. 

Dr. Clothier. Then, if I ask you to give up 
this man? 

Helen. Man? [Staring at him.] Peter? 
[As his hand closes on hers; with a frightened 
little laugh.] You're joking. [Giving him a 
little shake.] Only I wish you wouldn't look 
so horribly solemn — it's not fair. 

Dr. Clothier. I'm not joking — I mean it. 

Helen. [Her eyes widening; incredulously.] 
To give up — Peter? [As he makes a gesture 
of assent; with a broken^ little laugh.] But — 
I love him. 

Dr. Clothier. And I ask you to put that 
love away — ^to put him out of your heart — out 
of your thoughts. 



38 The Price 



Helei^. [In a whisper,^ To — to 



[Breaking out.'] But I don't understand; just 
a little while ago — not more than ^yq minutes 
ago — you were such good friends, and now — 
now [Her voice hreahs. 

Dr. Clothier. Because you trust me [his 
voice trembling] without asking the reason. 

Hei^eist. Oh, but Daddy! It's all a mis- 
take ; some terrible mistake ; something that can 
be explained. [Turning; impatiently,] Why 
don't you say something, Peter? Why do you 
stand there as if — as if you were frozen out of 
ice? [Her voice trembling; all-pleading.] I 
love you, Peter ; why dont you explain ? 

Peter. [Turning; taking a step forward; 
passionately.] Explain? 

Dr. Clothier. [Throwing back his head; 
with a look of a man with his back to the wall.] 
Yes — the truth. What you must know to be 
the truth. You, who say you love her; why 



The Price 39 



don't you tell it to her [his voice hreaJcing; un- 
steadily; his head falling between his clasped 
hands] — to — to my daughter? 

[There is a moment's silence, 
[Peter, his face softening, starts to speak. 
Hedria begins to cough in a low, stran- 
gling ivay. Giving her a quick look; his 
face ivhitening and setting; turns and 
crosses toward door. 
Helen. [Looking after him; with a half- 
suppressed cry.] Pe [Dr. Clothier, his 

hand raised, his face white, haggard; his hand 
closing on hers, checks her; in a whisper; her 
voice trailing away.] ter. 

[As he goes out, Hedria, facing Helen for 
a moment with one quick, mocking, con- 
temptuous look, slips out after him. 



CURTAIN. 



ACT 1 

Scene II 



ACT I. 

Scene II. — Same as Scene 7. Time^ three 
hours later. 

As the curtain rises, the maid is discovered 
covering furniture with rubber covers. At the 
table sits Sam Weher, lounging bach, his hands 
in his pockets, his hat a little to the side of his 
head. A thin, insignificant-looking, little man 
in a cheap, worn suit of store blue, any age be- 
tween forty-five and fifty-five. A man you 
might take for a mechanic, until you looked at 
his eyes, that have a trick of narrowing into pin- 
heads; his lips, thin, when not smiling oilily, 
draws back, curling aivay from yellow, fang- 
ish-looking teeth. Poleman is slowly walking 
around room, examining pictures, certificates, 
etc., with growing awe. A heavily built man, 
with blank, brutish-looking face; dressed in 

41 



42 The Price 



flashy suit, with vast expanse of dirty, white 
waistcoat, and heavy gold chain. A large ''dia- 
mond" sparMes in his bedraggled, hut brilliant, 
tie. His hat, one size too small, is stuck on the 
bach of his head. The maid, having put on the 
last cover, crosses over to right, pichs up heavy 
gold umbrella that is leaning against wall, drip- 
ping a stream of water, and with a look of thinly 
veiled contempt, toward Poleman, turns toward 
hall door. 

Poleman. [Seeing umbrella; starting for- 
ward.] Here! [As she turns.] I don't want 
to lose that. 

Maid. [Looking at him.] Things are not 
lost here, sir. [Goes out. 

Poleman. [Turning to Sam; pushing back 
his hat.] Gee, if I see how yer done it. 

Sam. Done what ? 

Poleman. Why, get him where yon wanted. 
[Looking around.] He don't need the money. 



The Price 43 



Sam. [Lounging bach; drawling.] l^o, I 
guess lie don't. There ain't many on this here 
street that needs the money — now. 

PoLEMAN. Then I don't see how 

[Breahs off as the maid re-enters with silver 
pitcher; tinkling ice water; on tray with 
glasses; puts it down on small table and goes 
out 

Sam. [Looking at him; pityingly.] ^o; 
maybe yer don't — maybe yer don't. It's just 
keeping your eyes open. That's what I do. I 
keep my eyes open. I never took no time a- 
looking up and down this here street a-hunting 
the prettiest name on the shiniest plate. Yer 
bet your life I didn't. It's the little fellows — 
the new ones — who've hung out their shingles 
and are a-waitin'. [With a chuckle; his lips 
curling hack. ] Waiting ; while the agent's talk- 
ing rent, and every day they're a cinching a new 
hole in their belts. Well, when there ain't no 



44 The Price 



more holes to cincli, you'll find they're thinking 
differently about money — and [his eyes narrow- 
ing] — other things. [Ruhhing his hands.] 
You'll find a good many. 

PoLEMAi^. But — him ? 

Sam. [Tilting hack; easily.] I guess he 
was young once, wasn't he? [Thrusting his 
hands into his pockets.] I guess we were all 
young, once. 

PoLEMAN. [Starting.] Hey! [Crossing 
over; in a whisper.] Yer don't mean — ^to 
say? 

Sam. [Looking at him; his eyes narrowing.] 
Nothing — ^When I say shut — I mean — shut. 

PoLEMAN. — [Hurriedly.] All right — all 
right, only [looking around^ drawing in his 
breath] — gee! 

Dr. Clothier. [Coming in — haggard, worn 
• — in a low tone, shutting the door carefully he- 
hind him.] Well, gentlemen ! 



The Price 45 



Sam. [Nodding.] Howdy, Doc. [Takes off 
hat and carefully places it under chair. 

De. Clothier. I am sorry — ^keeping you 
waiting. [C7vsses over, and opens office door, 
looking in, 

PoLEMAN. [Nodding.] That's all right, 
Doc. 

Dr. Clothier. [Carefully shutting door; 
crossing over, pulls chair to center of table, sits 
facing audience — to 8am.] I am sorry for this 
lamentable occurrence. 

Sam. Oh, that's all right. Doc. The colts 
generally do some kicking. 

PoLEMAN. [Pulling up chair near table — to 
the left — sitting heavily.] Yes — but we seem 
to have run into regular bronco this time. 

Sam. [Nodding.] That's right; that is, and 
we've got to step lively. When it comes to mud 
throwing it's the first shot that counts. 



Dr. Clothier. But I don't like 



46 The Price 



Sam. i^either do I. I^m for peace, but when 
it comes to fightin', why, I ain't no quitter — I 
ain't. 

PoLEMAN. [EnthiLsiastically.] That's right 
— ^that is. [Jerhs hat forward. 

Dk. Clothier. But — is not there — another 
way? 

Sam. 'No — there ain't. He's got a story, 
and it ain't a particularly pretty one neither, 
and the first thing you knows, up he trots to the 
authorities, and the next thing you hear the kids 
yelling, "Extra — Scandal in the Poor House; 
Eminent Physician Implicated." 
[Dr. Clothier winces. 

Say, how many do you think would be in this 
here office next morning? 

Dr. Clothier. [Getting up and pacing up 
and down.] I don't know — I don't know. 
[Turning; facing.] But what can we do? I 
tell you he is straight — straight as a die. 



The Price 47 

Sam. That's all right. I'll fix that. You 
can tell them a fellow's straight till yer black in 
the face and they'll look like yer lying [drop- 
ping his voice], but yer give them the wink. 
[Chuckles. 

Dr. Clothier. I wish to God I had never 
done it. 

Sam. Why not? It was just an act of 
charity — it was. What was to become of those 
poor girls ? And in return what'd yer get ? A 
free dispensary for the poor and a "home for 
cancer" from the city. [With pride.] Sam 
Weber ain't no rich man, but he's appreciative, 
he is, and he knows the ropes. So the poor get 
a fine dispensary and a cancer hospital that's 
the envy of everybody, and the poor girls got a 
nice place to go to. There ain't nothing to be 
ashamed of in that, is there ? 

PoLEMAN. [Vigorously.] No. 

Dr. Clothier. [Wiping his forehead.] l^o 



48 The Price 



doubt you are right, but isn't there some other 
way of stopping him ? Don't you think if you 
did not send any more 

Sam. Then what am I going to do ? What is 
all of us going to do? [Emphatically.] 'No, 
Doc. I've stood by you. Yer the biggest "Phi- 
lanthropic," Doc, in this here city. Yer been 
write up in the papers and yer picture's in the 
magazines. Yer it^ and [looking at him; his 
eyes narrowing] yer want to stay — it. 

De. Clothiee. But Sam [Breaking off 

with a quick, apprehensive glance toward 
Poleman, who is listening — all ears.] Mr. 
Weber 

Sam. [Turning abruptly — to Poleman.] 
You'd better go hunt your "umbrel." 

Poleman. [Easily.] Oh, that's all 

[8am looks at him, hurriedly. 

All right — all right. [Goes off — hall door. 

Sam. [Coming down.] !N'ow, say, what yer 
going to 



The Price 49 



Dr. Clothiee. My daughter [hreaJcing off]. 
The engagement is almost announced. 

Sam. [Impatiently.] Well! Why didn't 
you work that? 

Dk. Clothiee. I did. [Passionately.] God 
help me, I did. 

Sam. [Shrugging his shoulders; spreading 
out his hands.] Well, then 

De. Clothiee. My daughter demands a 
reason 

Sam. Well, she'll get it [chuckling] in to- 
morrow's paper. [Ruhhing his hands together.] 
Yer bet yer life she will. You just keep her 
away from him to-day, and to-morrow — you 
wouldn't think she ever knowed him. 

[The doctor is about to speah, checks him- 
self, moistening his lips. 

[Sam patting him on the hack. 

Just yer keep yer fingers off, and go up to that 
"saw-bones" convencht to-night. [Enthusiasti- 



50 The Price 



colly.'] And I'll make it so hot for him in three 
days that he'll be glad to get out with his skin 
on. I'll get Hedria 

De. Clothier. [Looking up, slowly.] You 

mean the girl that was here 

Sam. [Nodding.] Yep; she's a good girl 
and smart. She ain't got long, but she'll do what 
I tell her and she's got a grudge about this here 
certificate. She'll go there to-night. He's living 
down alone in the old Wanner House. Some 
fool settlement business. It's a bad night and 
what with her cough, he won't kick her out. 
To-morrow morning we'll get a message for the 
Assistant District Attorney 

Dr. Clothier. [Wetting his lips.] District 
Attorney ? 

Sam. Yep — Garvin. [As the Doctor gives 
him a quick look; enthusiastically.] Garvin's 
all right, he is. [Spreading out his hands.] 
Well, she'll want him to take her last statement. 



The Price 51 



[Patting the Doctor on the hack; chuckling.'] 
We'll see ; we'll see. [Picking up his hat, starts 
for the door, 

Db. Clothier. Sam [as he pauses, speaking 
with evident ejfort] — I — I can't do it. 

Sam. [Spinning around.] C — an't 

Dr. Clothier. Anything else, but not — 
that. [Moistening his lips.] Don't ask me, 
Sam. 

Sam. [Coming down a step, clapping his hat 
on to the hack of his head; staring at him.] 
Ask! [Bamming his hands into his trouser 
pockets, his lips curling hack.] Do yer think 

I'm ASKING ? 

Dr. Clothier. [Raising his head, meeting 
his look.] ISTo — but I'll take my chances — I'll 
own up to the public, how the hospital and the 
dispensary tempted me. 

Sam. [Mockingly.] Oh, yes — the Dispen- 
sary — and the Hospital. [Chuckling.] He — 



52 The Price 



he — Oh, yes — so would I. [Rubs his hands to- 
gether, openly gloating. 

De. Clothiee. [Springing to his feet, white 
with rage,] I'm done ; I've had enough. [Bring- 
ing down his fist on table,] I wash my hands of 
you, Sam Weber. 

Sam. [Chuchling,] That's right — wash 
'em. [Coming down,] Wash 'em all yer damn 
please. [Lowering his voice,; his eyes narrow- 
ing,] But — ^there's some kind of "stink" that 
don't come off. [''D7'opping down into his col- 
lar'; snarling,] Well, that's me. [Chuchling.] 
He — he — that's me. [Moving out right chair a 
little to front of table; sitting slowly, half -facing 
the doctor.] I — stick. Crossing one leg over 
the other, tilting chair a little, leaning bach; 
thumbs in pochets,] Say, Doc, don't yer remem- 
ber when you'se and me was "pals" ? 

De. Clothiee. [Slowly, the looh of passion 
and defiance going out of his face, ] P — als ? 



The Price 53 



Sam. [Contemplating the crossed foot as he 
wiggles it.] Down on Race. [As the doctor 
maJces an almost inaudible sound; cocJcing one 
eye at him, humorously.] The women, what 
went in and [sloioly uncrossing foot, bringing 
his chair doiun, 

[Dr. Clothier, white to the lips, loohs at 

him, swallowing hard. 
— came out [leaning forward, elbows on Jcnees, 
his eyes lihe pinheads, his lips curling bach] — 
in black — boxes. 

[Dr. Clothier raises his head, his face 

ghastly, expressionless — the face of a 

dead man. 
[Leaning bach, thumbs in pochets.] It was 
all right^ Doc. After yer got on — but [chuc- 
hling] — till yer did, Doc — till yer did? [As 
Dr. Clothier, starting up with a smothered cry, 
tahes a step toward him, then — his face livid — 
cheching himself, draws bach — easily.] Well, 
why don't yer ? 



54 The Price 



Dk. Clothiee. [LooJcing at Mm contemptu- 
ously,] It's your word against — mine, 

Sam. 'Noy it ain't. 

[The Doctor, staring, gives him a quich 
looh of fear. 

It's your word against — papers. [Dropping 
his voice, with a quich looh around.] Coroner s 
papers. 

Dr. Clothier. [His hand clutching the side 
of the table.] Coroner's ? [8its down heavily, 
staring straight in front of him, 
[Sam nods easily. 

[Moistening his lips, raising his head.] 'No ! 
[Drawing in his clenched hands, defiantly.] 
It's not true. [Turning; loohing at him scorn- 
fully.] If it had gone that far, you couldn't 
have stopped it. 

Sam. Oh, couldn't I ? Law ain't Law, when 
it's Sam Weber. [Bringing down chair slowly.] 
It never is — when it's any one that's on [chuc- 



The Price 55 

kling] — not in this old town. [Getting up, care- 
fully replacing chair. ^ Say, you ain't no baby; 
you ought to know — that. [With a quick side- 
lo7ig look at the Doctor, who sits motionless, his 
face drawn, haggard — staring into space, he 
crosses over to mantel and turning, leans up 
against it, drawing out a toothpick, he begins to 
half suck, half pick, watching out of the corner 
of his eyes; there is a moment's pause. 

[Helen enters; pale, with dark circles un- 
der eyes. 

Helen. [Beginning to shut the door; in a 
low voice.] Father [seeing Sam, pausing 
abruptly] — Oh! I didn't see. [Beginning to 
retract.] I'm sorry. [Catching a glimpse of 
Dr. Clothier's face, pauses; all anxiety, in a 
low voice, not quite steady.] Is anything the 
matter, father? 

Dr. Clothier. [Looking away, struggling 
for composure.] l^o, nothing, Helen. [Swal- 
lowing.] ITothing. 



56 The Price 



[Helen hesitates^ then going out, shuts 

door. 
Sam. [Looking after her.] Fine girl, that. 
[The Doctor^ drawing in his breath, 

sharply, gives him a quick look, his eyes 



[Sam watching, hut apparently not noticing; 
easily.] A damn sight too fine to have her 
father hauled into court — for 

De. Clothiee. [His hand clinching.] Don't 
[his fingers going to his throat; in a hoarse, 
choking voice] — don't Sam! 

Sam. [Looking at him coolly.] Now yer 
thinking ! That's what yer want to do. [Put- 
ting toothpick in pocket.] Thinking of her, 
didn't stop him, did it ? [Coming down.] Well, 
it better stop you. What she don't know, don't 
hurt ; but what she might know, what everybody 
might know. [Chuckling.] Hey, Doc? 

De. Clothiee. [Staring into space — hardly 
above a whisper.] 1^ — o 



The Price 57 



Sam. [Nodding.] That's right — that is, 

that's talking [As Poleman appears in the 

doorway, umbrella in hand,] Well, so long! 
[Goes out. 

PoLEMAW". [Jerhing up umbrella in sort of 
salute intended to be military.] So long! 
[Turning^, almost colliding with ''Lady in 
BlacV; baching away hurriedly.] ^Scuse me, 
lady. [Exit out of sight. 

Lady in^ Black. [Coming in, shaking out 
her skirts; all alarm.] Oh, Doctor, he didn't 
have anything contagious, did he ? [As the doc- 
tor looks up, his face haggard, worn, noting 
something wrong; anxiously.] Oh, Doctor, I 
am afraid I am a little early, but I just 
read 

Dr. Clothier. [With an effort, regaining 

his official manner. ] Why, not at all 

[Crosses toward office door. 

Lady in Black. [Following.] I just read in 
the paper, some horrid scientist 



58 The Price 



Dk. Clothiee. [Opening door.] This way, 

please 

Lady ii^ Black. Has discovered a hundred 

germs to a salad leaf — and you know - 

[They go out, the door closes. ''Lady with 
Dog/' ''Old Gentleman/' and several 
others come in, glance at clocJc, then take 
seats near door. 

CURTAIN. 



ACT II. 

Scene. — A room in what was once a fash- 
ionable TYiansion — long, narrow and with two 
shadeless windows — right. The walls hare and 
stained, showing traces of having been papered. 
The woodworh and moulding, after the heavy 
colonial style, is stained and worn. A door, lead- 
ing out into a long narrow hall, shows, when 
open, a long, high, narrow fluted banister rail, 
half-hroJcen — left. To the left of it — further up 
stage — a marble mantelpiece, on which is a med- 
ical case, bottles and a silver-framed photograph. 
On the other side of the mantel a row of hoohs 
on which a few overcoats, hats, etc., hang. The 
hacJc wall is bare, except for a large medical 
cabinet, filled with bottles, etc., a telephone, a 
very complete set of electric batteries. X-ray, etc. 
An electric wire runs across to office table desh. 



60 The Price 



which stands down front — center — lighting a 
large student lamp. A door tube is attached to 
the table — a swivel desk chair stands center back 
of table facing the audience — a straight wooden 
chair to the left of it. Several others stand 
around the walls. Down stage, near right, a 
heavy old-fashioned couch — very large and com- 
fortable. As the curtain rises, the stage is in 
semi-darhness, lighted only by the lamp, and a 
few rays of light, which coTne in from the broken 
slats of the shutters. 

Sallie. [A bedraggled, sodden-looking crea- 
ture, looking any age over forty, who has been 
crouching before the cabinet — rising, looking 
backwards — savagely.] Darn it all. [Prying 
and picking at the door of the cabinet — as it 
opens — with a muffled sigh of satisfaction.] Ah ! 
[Peering in; disgusted.] Pshaw! [Pulling 
out empty bottles, holding them up to the light — 
grunting.] I'm going to give notice, that's what 



The Price 61 



I am. I ain't going to work. [Breaking off, 
pulling out chafing dish — opening the lamp; ris- 
ing, coming down to table, her eyes gloating.'] 

Only a drop — only a [Drinhs, smacking 

her lips.] Ah! [Running her fingers around 
the inside, licking them, regretfully] — drop. 
[Stops, listening, then makes a dive to the closet, 
piles in bottles, chafing dish; slams the door; 
seizing broofn, begins sweeping vigorously, with 
eye on the door — stops, crouching in the shadow, 
dustpan in one hand, brush in the other. As the 
door opens slowly, cautiously and Hedria comes 
in, shutting the door behind her noiselessly, Sal- 
lie, rises and comes forward aggressively. As 
Hedria comes in further, and stands peering into 
the semi-darkness — sharply.] What d'yer want ? 

Hedkia. [Starting; turns; hoarsely.] The 
doctor [Puts her hand to her throat. 

Sallie. [Shrilly.] Well, he ain't here 

[Picking up broom, beginning to sweep vigor- 



62 The Price 



ously, loohing up as Hedria sits on the chair, 
left of door, irritably.] He ain't here. Didn't 
ye hear me ? 

Hedeia. [Without looking up.} Yes. 
Sallie. [Moving chairs and rugs.] Then 
what ye waiting for ? 

Hedeia. [In the same tone.] The doctor. 
Sallie. [Sweeping violently toward He- 
dria.] And how ye think I'm going to clean 
while ye're waitin' ? 

[Hedria gets up, coughing and choJcing 

from the dust, crosses over to chair, left 

side of table. The light now shines on 

her face. 

[Sallie stops; loohs at her; awed.] My! 

ain't yer got it bad. Pretty near as bad as 

Mamie Guiger. [Leaning on her broom.] I 

guess yer didn't know Mamie ? 

Hedeia. [Holding her side; gasping.] 
'N—o. 



The Price 63 



Sallie. Well, she certainly had a fine lay- 
out My ! I never seen a finer. A lav- 
ender cofiin, all plush outside and a wreath of 
wax flowers and gates ajar; and the girls at the 
match factory sent her a clock all "immorels." 
That's where she took it, yer know. It's the sul- 
phur, they say. [Sighing.] She certainly was a 
nice, industrious girl, Mamie was. She'd laid 
by near three hundred dollars. Why, say — ^the 
whiskey. You ought to seen it — you'd thought 
it was water. [Softly.] My! [Beginning to 
sweep, wearily.] But it don't do no good. It 
ain't no use. [Looking up.] I suppose you'se 
heard a harmonica? 

Hedria. [Weahly; gasping.] Y-e-s. 

Sallie. [Dropping broom — coming doivn 
convulsively — passionately.] But ye don't hear 
it morning, noon and night — ^with a wheeze in 
it — like the one John bought when we were 
married — the one we used to sing to Sunday 



64 The Price 



mornings. [Passionately.] It's worse than 
snakes. I know ; I had them both. The snakes 
they just crawl around, but the harmonica 
[clinching her hands'] — it just keeps a wailin' 
and a wailin'. You can't drink it out. Even at 
Mamie's I heard it. They said it was a hymn, 
but I knowed it wasn't. It was John's voice a- 
singing ^^Home, Sweet Home." [Breaking out, 
clinching her hands over her ears.] Oh, Lord! 
ain't it ever goin' to stop? [Coming across to 
Hedria — her voice dropping into a whine.] 
Say, yer ain't got the price of a drink, have ye ? 

Hedria. [Bitterly.] Do I look it? 

Sallie. [Shaking her head.] 'No, but 
there's no tellin' [going hack, picking up broom] 
— there's no tellin'. [Starting up hack.] 

There's old [Breaking off as door slams.] 

Lord! [Hurries to door, cautiously opens it; 
listening; closing door softly; turning; fright- 
ened.] It's him. [As Hedria, rising, goes up 



The Price 65 



stage into the shadow — queruously shahing out 
dirty, torn dust rag, beginning to dust vio- 
lently.] What's lie back for? 'Now he's got a 
girl he ain't never back before twelve. [Breaks 
off, dusting more violently, as the door opens 
and Peter enters, 

Petee. [Closing door; turning, and seeing 
her; sharply.'] Sallie, v^hat are jou doing 
here? 

Sallie. I'm dustin'. 

Peter. At eleven o'clock at night? [Com- 
ing down, puts doctor s hag on table, impa- 
tiently,] Don't lie. 

Sallie. [Defiantly.] Lying? Who's a 
lying? Do you think the dust is particular 
about the time? Well, it ain't and here's me 
['beginning to collect brushes and broom and 
bucJcet] — morning and night, a-workin' my 
fingers to the bone to keep yer place decent, and 
it's all the thanks I get. If ye ain't careful, 
Mr. Macline, I'll join the union. 



66 The Price 



Peter. [Wearily; slipping out of his coat.] 
I wish to God you would. 

Sallie. [Venomously.'] And I will. [As 
he crosses over, coat in hand, toward hoohs, 
catching sight of the half-opened cupboard 
doors — getting between it and him, in a nervous 
flutter.] And then you'll find out what a fine, 
honest woman youVe lost. 

Peter. [Sighing.] All right. [Turning, 
patiently.] JSTow, go home, Sallie. 

Sallie. Home ? Aye, home ! With not 
even a bed to lie in ? 

Peter. [Looking up, half -contemptuously , 
half -pityingly .] So you've sold that? 

Sallie. [Hurriedly.] No — I didn't — no — 
no — I didn't. A — A — man came and took it. 
[As Peter sits down and begins to write; wearily 
— pleadingly.] Mister Maclin, won't you give 
me something — just the price of a drop? For 
the love of heaven — ^just a drop. 



The Price 67 



Peter. [Sharply.] 'No I [Handing her a 
slip of paper.] Take tkat to Mosser. He'll 
give you a decent room to-night. [Pointing to 
cloth as she picks it up from table.] And don't 
bring that dirty rag around here again. It 
hasn't been washed since you got it. 

Sallie. [Spitefully.] My, but ye's got the 
grouch on. [Going to door.] I bet yer girl's 
given you the shake. [As Peter, with a smoth- 
ered exclamation, starts to his feet.] All right 
— all right; I'm goin'. [Opening door; ma- 
liciously.] I ain't afeard ye'U be lonely. 
[Chuchling.] Ha! ha! [Goes out. 

[Peter crosses to mantel; stands for a mo- 
ment looking at photograph, then pichs it 
up, recrosses to table, sitting down 
heavily, holding photograph before him, 
under light. 
Peter. [Looking at it; in a low, choking 
whisper.] Little girl — little girl. 



68 The Price 



[Hedria, coming down noiselessly, slips 
into chair beside table. 

[Peter — his face working — shahes his head 
sloivly, then becoming conscious of an in- 
definite something; looks up, his face rigid; 
looking around, abruptly; seeing her, starts, 
snapping on the electric bracket, as he recog- 
nizes her; half rising; abruptly.] You? 

Hedeia. [Looking at him without moving.] 
Yes. 

Petee. [Rising; facing her; sharply.] 
What do you want? 

Hedkia. My certificate. 

Peter. Your [Impatiently.] I told 

you you can't have it. 

Hebeia. [Hoarsely.] Why? 

Petee. [Impatiently.] It's no use going 
into it — ^you couldn't understand. 

Hedeia. [Savagely.] I guess I wouldn't. 
[Leaning across the table, clutching his sleeve; 



The Price 69 



in a low, hoarse voice.] The other girls; they 
always got theirs. [Tightening her grip.] Why 
shouldn't I get mine — why? [Moving closer; 
pleadingly, her voice breaking.] I ain't asking 
much. It won't be for long and I don't eat 
much. [Breaking doivn; burying her face be- 
tween her arms; moaning.] It's just a place — 
to die in. 

Peter. [Looking at her, his face softening.] 
I am sorry, Hedria. 

Hedria. [Looking up, eagerly.] Then 
you'll give it to me — you'll give it to me. [As 
Peter's face hardens; passionately.] Oh, God! 
You'll give it to me ? 

Peter. [Turning abruptly.] I^o. 

[Hedria sinks back; coughing and choking; 
crossing to other side of room. 

[Turning and facing her, sharply.] You're 
Sam's girl ; now, go back to Sam. 

Hedria. [Looking up; in a muffled, choking 



70 The Price 



voice.] Go back to Sam ? [In a low voice; her 
fingers lacing and interlacing.] There's only 
one girl that ever — came back. [Breaking ojf 
with a shudder.] 'No, I guess I don't. [Rising, 
clinging to the table, facing him; swaying to 
and fro.] I never done nothing to you. [Chok- 
ing.] I ain't ever seen you. Why won't yer 
give it to me? 

Peter. [Turning; savagely]. Because I 
am going to try to put an end to this. [As 
Hedria stares at him, swaying a little.] I am 
going to stop making it easy for Sam. 

Hedria. [Raising her head; hoarsely.] So 
that's it, is it ? That's your game. [As Peter 
nods.] You're a reformer; and you're going to 
begin like the rest of them [coughing and chok- 
ing] — on us [bitterly, savagely, scornfully] — 
on the girls. [Facing Peter; her eyes blazing, 
her hands clinching.] That's right — ^that is. 
We're devils; we ought to pay. It ain't our 



The Price 71 



bread and clothes. Oh, no! It's just for the 
fun of it. [Vehemently; laughing hoarsely.] 
Ho! ho! Tor the fun of it. [Coming around 
to his side of the table as Peter, raising his 
head, holes at her — through her teeth.] And 
— ^the men? [As he stares at her, laughing.] 
Oh! oh! That's different— it's just their wild 
oats; it don't matter. Somebody else can pay 
the price. [Shrilly.] The price — that's what 
I am — the price of a night off. I'm one of ''Old 
Mammy Meyers's kids." The kind she took in 
and no questions asked. They mostly all died 
[sinJcing down on chair, hopelessly, with a choJc- 
ing sob] — but I — I didn't. [Coughing and 
choking.] Sam says I was the strongest kid he 
ever seen. 

Peter. [Taking a step toward her, his 
mouth squaring.] Sam? Sam — Weber? 

Hedria. [Nodding wearily.] When the So- 
ciety got busy and Mammy "skipped," Sam 



72 The Price 



took me in. He had to; he was afraid they'd 
catch on. [Her fingers shutting.] I — I might 
have — talked. 

Petee. [Looking at her with a growing looh 
of pity; slowly.] But — your — ^your — mother, 
Hedria ? 

Hedria. [Laughing a little.] My — mother. 
[As if to herself; in a low, dead tone.] Sam 
says he thinks the man she married got hold of 
some of Mammy's letters. Anyway, he kicked 
her out and she went — to the devil. [Wheeling 
around, with sudden suppression of fury.] But 

him — the man [Through her clinched 

teeth.] The man that's my father. The man 
I wasn't more to than a bad taste in the morn- 
ing E"othing happened to him, I guess. 

[Raising her clinched hands.] Nothing ever 
happens to them. It's all very pleasant and nice. 
It's made so damned easy — for them. But for 
us [rising; facing him furiously] — for us — 



ACT II 



The Price 73 



there ain't even a place to die in. [Stands^ 
clutching chairhach; exhausted, 

Peter. [Coming down slowly, 'putting his 
hand over the hand that grips the chair; speak- 
ing with an effort — unsteadily — looking at her,] 
Hedria, if I could do anything — in any 

other [Breaking off,] But [slowly] I 

can't. 

Hedkia. [Jerking her hand away from him; 
facing him; through her teeth.] You can't — 
and you wouldn't. [Putting her hand to her 
side, gasping.] And your preacher friend 
wouldn't. [Dropping down into chair; with a 
choking soh.] 'None of you'se would. [Staring 
straight in front of her; in a hoarse, choking 
voice filled with passion.] He'd — he'd talk of 
hell and the rest of it. [Clinching her hands; 
in a whisper.] But it only stays hell for the 
woman. A man can have six brats like me and 
a girl like yours '11 marry him, and — the 



74 The Price 



Preacher [through her teeth] — the Preacher '11 
do the marrying. He'll talk of contrition. 
[Laughing savagely.] Contrition! [Drawing 
in her clinched fingers^ her eyes glittering — 
through her teeth.] There's a Hell, and that's 
where he'll find them, the six of them, lined up, 
waiting for their father. [Raising her head, 
her eyes glowing — all hate — in a whisper.] As 
I'll be waiting for — mine. [Rising and draw- 
ing herself up, her head thrown hack; facing 
him.] ]^ow — do I get a place to die in? 

Petek. Hedria, if I give you the certificate, 
I tie my hands as they have tied [Break- 
ing off. 

[Hedria sits down slowly, exhausted. 

I'd give you a place to go to — go — to. [Pas- 
sionately.] It isn't the money, God knows it 
isn't ; but it means that the next girl comes with 
another story as bad as yours 

Hedria. [Clinching her hands.] Mine's 
true. 



The Price 75 



Peter. They mostly all are — God help us; 

and so — you see — I can't, Hedria I must 

try to stop it — wow. 

Hedria. [With a choking sob.] You're 
going to begin — on me? 

Peter. I must. [As Hedria looks at him, 
as if hardly comprehending, her lips trembling; 
turning away abruptly, walking up stage.] I'll 
mix you something that will help your cough 
and you go back to Sam. He'll take you in — 
he's got to. 

Hedria. [Looking up, her hand to her 
throat] Oh, yes; he'll take me in — like [smil- 
ing horribly] — he took in — Rosie March. 
[Turning away from him, wearily; in a low, 
listless voice, as if repeating a lesson.] Then 
you won't give it to me ? 

Peter. [Turning on electric light; taking 
out bottle.] 1^0. [As the call-bell rings; 
pouring contents of bottle carefully into mixing 



76 The Price 



glass; looking up, annoyed.^ Will you answer ? 
Unless it's something important, I'm not in. 

Hedkia. [Picking up the tube.]' Y-e-s? 
[Her eyes suddenly lightening, ivith a quick 
look towards Peter; dropping her voice.'] I'll 

see [Snapping up tube, turning, her eyes 

glistening; hoarsely,] You won't give it to me ? 

Peter. [Putting hack bottle.] No. 

Hedeia. [Her fingers clinching and un- 
clinching; breathlessly.] S-u-r-e? 

Peter. Yes. [Pouring contents of mixing 
glass into new bottle.] 

Hedria. [Taking down tube.] Yes; come 
right up. 

Peter. [Starting.] What? [Turning 
sharply.] Why did you say that? 

Hedria. [Looking at him, her eyes gloat- 
ing.] It's very important. 

[Peter, turning off light, comes down; un- 
mistakably irritated, opening desk, takes 
out bottle-label. 



The Price 77 

[As he sits down on siuivel chair, pasting on 
label; clutching his arm, her voice trembling.] 
Won't you have pity — won't you ? 

Petee. [Shaking himself loose; sharply.] 
No. I've told you — wliy I can't, and thafs the 
end of it. [Pichs up pen and begins to ivrite 
directions.] 

Hedria. [Looking at him; in a whisper, her 
fingers clinching.] Yes — that's the end of 

it [Crosses over right, into the shadow of 

the windows, as there is a knock on the door. 

Petee. [Without looking up.] Come in. 

[Helen appears in the doorway, hesitates 

for a minute, then shuts door gently. 

[Looking up as door closes.] Well 

[Seeing, starting to his feet, with a cry.] 
Helen! [Looking at her incredulously.] 
You [As she nods slowly, her eyes shin- 
ing, very moist; taking three steps toward her, 
his voice trembling.] Little Girl 



78 The Price 



Helen. [Coming down quickly.] Peter, 
I've come — I want the truth — the real truth. 

Peter. You haven't [loohing past her with 
sudden anxiety] — ^you haven't come here with- 
out anybody else 

Helen. Without anybody knowing 



Peter. [His fingers gripping the edges of 
the table unsteadily.] You had no right, Little 
Girl; you don't understand. You — if any one 
should see 

Helen. [Loohing at him, steadily.] It was 
the only way ; they almost seemed to be watch- 
ing me, and [her voice trembling] — and father 
would tell me nothing [Her hand clinch- 
ing.] Nothing. [In a low, hrohen whisper.] 

Peter [As he half -turns away; pleadingly.] 

I love you, and the man I love — I trust. That 
is why I ask you — ^to tell me the truth. [Put- 
ting her hand on his arm — all pleading.] A 
girl can't throw off the man she loves — ^like an 



The Price 79 



old shoe — not even for one [her voice trem- 
bling] — for one who has been mother and father 

to her [With a stifled sob.] Not even 

for Daddie. [As he, wheels and with a sudden 
passionate gesture, seizes her hands, crushes 
them to his lips; looking at him, her eyes shin- 
ing.] What is the [Over Peters bent 

head, suddenly seeing Hedria, who has moved 
out of the shadow; her eyes widening — in a 

ivhisper. ] I didn't see [Drawing away 

slowly.] I — didn't see 

Hedria. [Coming down to left of table, 
leaning forward, her hands gripping the edge; 
hoarsely — her eyes glittering.] You want the 
truth, do you? [Through her teeth, flinging 
bach her head.] Well, that's what I am — the 
real truth — the whole truth— the 

Peter. [Wheeling around, savagely.] What 
do you mean ? 

Hedria. [Looking at him; jeering, trium- 



80 The Price 



phant, gloating,'] You know what I mean — 

you know what / [Breaks off with a cry, 

as he, with a quick gesture, seizes both her wrists 
in his.] Oh! [Trying to pull away,] Curse 
you ! 

Peter. [His left hand pinning Hedrias 
wrists, turning and facing Helen; deadly 
white.] Helen, go [as she looks at him, her 
eyes widening; pleadingly] — please. I'll come 
in a minute. 

Hedeia. [Withering in Peter's grasp.] 
Yes — go. [Jeeringly.] You needn't worry; 
he'll see you home. [Through her teeth.] 
After he's kicked me into the gutter. 

Helen. [Coming doivn a step, looking at 
Peter; in a low, unsteady voice.] What does 
she mean ? 

Peter. I'll explain — but not here, Helen — 
not now — to-morrow. 

Hedria. [Furiously.] To-morrow 



The Price 81 

[Jerking one hand loose; laughing.] Oh! yes, 
to-morrow. [Dropping down into chair, utterly 
exhausted.] I'll be dead to-morrow, and the 
dead don't say nothin', they don't. [Burying 
her head in her free arm; with a soh.] They're 
dead. [Coughs. Peter releases her other hand, 
hut watches her closely, 

Hele]^. [In a whisper; white to the lips,] 
Dead? 

Hedria. Yes Dead in the gutter. 

What does he care? He's got you now. Curse 
you. 

Peter. [Facing Helen; passionately.] 
Helen, it's lies. I never saw the girl till to-day. 
I give you my word. 

Hedria. [Interrupting, laughing shrilly.] 
His word! [Leaning forward, her hands clinch- 
ing.] I didn't know no more than you'se. I 
didn't know a damn thing — I [hreahing off, 
struggling with her cough; hoarsely, in a whis- 
per] — and that's what he gave me — his word. 



82 The Price 

Helen^. I don't believe it. [Coming quite 
close to her.] I don't know why you are saying 
it — but it's a lie. [Turning toward Peter; her 
voice breaking.] Peter, take me away. [As he 
crosses to her; clinging to him; breaking down.] 
Take me home. 

Hedeia. [Springing to her feet, her voice 
vibrating with rage, with hate; shrilly.] Yes, 
take her home — to the man who kicked you out 
to her father. 

Helen. [Starting, raising her head.] 
Father? [She moves back a little, away from 
Peter. 

Hedeia. [Through her teeth; scornfully.] 
Your father. He ain't no fool. He knows the 

truth when he sees it [Dropping down 

into chair, coughing and choking.] He — knows. 

Helen. [Looking at her; in a whisper.] 
Knows! [Crossing over to Hedria — swiftly; 
puts her hand on her shoulder, almost roughly.] 
Is this what you told him — my father? 



The Price 83 

Hedeia. [Nodding, exhausted, in a whis- 
per,] The whole of it. [Clutching Helens 
arm; her eyes blazing. ] The whole of it — do 
you hear? 

Helen. [ShaMng herself loose.] Yes, I 



Petek. [Starting forward, passionately.] 
Helen! 

Hedeia. [Clutching her dress, her fingers 
like talons; panting.] Your father kicked him 
out ; he sent him back to me. He tried to make 
him give me a place to die in — and he won't. 
[Flinging out her arms on the table, dropping 
her head between them, shaking with sobs.] 
He won't do — it 

Petee. Helen — your father 



Helen. [Shrinking away from him.] My 

— father — asked me to believe in him — to 

[Breaking off in a choking whisper.] And — 
and I — I [With a shuddering cry.] Oh! 



84 The Price 



[Turning and running blindly towards the door, 
tearing it open.] Oh, Daddie! Daddie! Dad- 
die ! [Buns out, 

Peter. [Staring after her, passionately.] 

Helen [Starting towards the door.] You 

shall listen — jou shan't 

[The front door is heard to slam. He 

stops — staring out into the hall. He- 

dria's head falls forward on her arms. 

Hedeia. [As he comes in, closing the door, 

raising her head a little — with unseeing eyes — m 

a hoarse, lifeless voice.] You can do what you 

want — I — Fm even. 

CURTAIN. 



ACT III 



ACT III. 

Scene. — Same as Act II. Time, seven 
o'clock the next morning. 

The blind furthest down stage is still low- 
ered; the blind up stage, half-raised, puts the 
back part of stage into a half-light. A few 
broken slats allow three or four rays to fall 
across front of stage, partly lighting up lounge 
on which lays Hedria — eyes closed — breathing 
heavily. She is covered with a heavy blanket 
shawl. At the foot, rocking to and fro, holding 
her ears, sits Whiskey Sallie, more bedraggled 
and sodden than ever, in the daylight. On a 
chair to the left lies Hedria' s skirt, hat, jacket 
and shoes. An ambulance bell sounds in the 
street. Sallie looks up, listening. As the bell 
sounds again, right below the windoivs [ris- 
ing hurriedly, starts toward lower window; 

85 



86 The Price 



eagerly,'] Somebody's got hurted. [Peeps out 
through broken slat; starting.] Say, if it 

ain't [The call-bell rings peremptorily; 

looking across at it; muttering.] Wh-what yer 
w-want? [As it rings again, louder; looking 
around room.] Yer — yer got the — ^the wrong 
house. [Grosses over toward it, as it rings 
again, steadily, without stopping.] Can't yer 

see I'm coming [Taking ojf receiver.] 

Well, what yer want? [Sharply.] 'No, there 
ain't nobody here — no, there ain't — neither. 
There ain't no sick woman. Why, say, I guess 
I ought to know. No, I ain't going to open no 
door fer youse. I? I'm the lady what keeps 
his room. I^o, there ain't no ambulance call for 
me. I don't ever get nothing but the "hurry-up 

wagon," I don't. [Chuckling.] He — ^he 

[Drawling out the words.] A-U right — I'll — 
I'll — ^te-U him. [Snaps up the receiver, listen- 
ing intently. 



The Price 87 



[The ambulance sounds again, then again 
at a distance. 
[Laughing,^ He — he! ^Sij [coming down^, 
won't Sam be hot [looking around; dropping her 
voice] — if he'd know. [Coming down further,] 
But he won't [looking around craftily] — he 
won't know nothin'. [Sitting down on end of 
sofa.] I want — my money. [Shivering.] I 
want money b-bad. [Looking across at Hedria.] 
I — I wouldn't go back on the doctor if I — if 
weren't f er the — money. The doctor's been good 
to me, he has. He — he's been mighty good to 

me [Her words trailing off into mutter- 

ings, she falls hack into original position. Rock- 
ing to and fro, faster, then slower, as in time to 
music, hands to her ears; suddenly flinging out 
hands, hoarsely.] 0\ Lord, ain't it ever goin' 
to stop? [Rocking to and fro.] Ain't it 
ever [Breaks off, listening intently, turn- 
ing, in a whisper.] Is that [rising and shuf- 
fling around end of sofa] — ^you, Mister? 



88 The Price 



The Deaist. [Opening door, standing in the 
doorway, hlinhing at her.] Is Dr. Maclain in? 

Sallie. [Aggressively.] I^o, he ain't. 
[Edging over between him and Hedria — as 
Helen appears in the doorway — sharply.] What 
yer want ? 

The Dean. [Coming in; curtly.] I'll ex- 
plain that to the doctor. [Turning to Helen; 
anxiously.] You'll wait, Helen? 

HsLEiq^. [Turning away.] Y-e-s. [Goes 
over to center and sits down on chair right of 
table; her face turned from him.] 

The Dean. [Coming down toward her; 
tenderly.] Little girl 

Helen. [Shrinking.] Please don't 



[Her hand worMng.] Please. He^ — he^ — used 
to call me — ^that. [Struggling for self-control.] 
You are asking a great deal of me — Dean. 

The Dean. For Justice — one always does. 

Helen. [Raising her head.] Justice! 



The Price 89 



[Repeating it in a whisper.] Justice. [Turn- 
ing, facing him, her eyes burning.] Don't you 
think, father — just? And he [turning away 
again] — he believed. 

The Dean. [Quietly.] I am here to hnow, 
not to think, Helen. [She looks up, startled.] 
Whatever is the truth I want to know it [em- 
phasizing it] — and I want you to know it. That 
is why, when you sent for me this morning 

Helen. [Breaking out; rising.] I couldn't 
bear it any longer. [Walking up stage.] All 
night — I [breaks off, shuddering; slowly] — 
and Daddy hadn't come back — yet [putting her 
handkerchief to her trembling lips] — Daddie 
hadn't come back yet. 

The Dean. [Looking at her, tenderly; 
gravely.] Helen, I asked you to come back 
with me because there is something I don't un- 
derstand. [As she turns and looks at him, turns 
away to avoid her eyes. Coming down stage.] 



90 The Price 



The more I put things together, the less I [sud- 
denly seeing Hedria, startled'] — 0-h — \hends 
over couch, 

Helen. [Her eyes widening with terror,] 
What is it? What [coming down slowly] — is 
there ? 

Sallie. [Indignantly,] Say, now 

The Dean. [8harply,] Be quiet. 

Helen. [Seeing Hedria, as she recognizes 
her.] Oh! [Bending down, holes at her, 
straightening up; in a whisper.] He — at least 
he didn't drive her out into the gutter, Dean. 
He didn't do that. 

The Dean. Yes — but [Looking up 

with a sudden look of determination.] Helen, 
if the thing was true, do you think she could 
have come into your father's office — as she did 
COME. Do you think he would have stood there 
as he did stand — and let her come? 

Helen. [Looking up, startled,] I — never 
thought of that. 



The Price 91 



The Dean. But I did; I thought of it all 
along. [As Helen, her face whitening — starts 
to speak — turning away quickly. To Sallie; 
sharply,] Where's the Doctor? 

Sallie. [Sneeringly.] How do I know? 
[Glancing at him, maliciously,] It ain't none 
of your business. 

The Dean. [Crossing over to her; steadily.] 
It is my business. Where's the Doctor ? 

Sallie. [With an anxious look at the door; 
beginning to whine.] It's old Izzy Jaret. He 
— he's broke a — leg. [Craftily,] Yer better 
come back. [As Helen, with a half-suppressed 
shudder, turns to go up stage, shuffling across to 
her; whining.] Say, ain't yer got the price 
of a drink ? She's been asking and asking — for 
just a drop, just one? 

Helen. [Looking across at the Dean.] 
Would it hurt her ? 

The Dean. [With a shade of bitterness in 



92 The Price 



his voice,] 'No, it won't hurt — her. [Beaches 
in his pochet, 

Helen. [Hurriedly, her voice not quite 

steady.] Let me [Draws out pochethoolc , 

opens it and talces out coin — to Sallie.] Could 
jou get it? 

Sallie. It's just a step to the corner — just 
a step. [Holding out her hand, greedily. 

The Dean. [As she almost snatches the coin 
out of Helens hands — loohing at her; sharply.] 
Will you bring it back ? 

Sallie. [Indignantly ; edging toward the 
door. Do yer think I'd forget the poor girl? 
[Opening door, with a quich, malignant look at 
Helen.] I ain't like — him. 

Helen. [Looking after her, in a whisper — 
her hand clinching.] Like him! Even she 
says it. [Turning away with a stifled cry.] 
Oh ! [Going up stage, drops into chair, to right 
of stage. 



The Price 93 



[The Dean, loohing after her for a moment, 

turns with a suppressed sigh, hack to He- 

dria, 

[Helen, shivering as she sits, speaking in 

a low, convulsed voice.'] I — I can't bear it. 

I — I came because you asked me. I went 

to you because you were the only one I knew — 

because I thought you cared. And you — you 

brought me back here, to go through it all 

again 

The Dean. [Turning.] Hush [Speak- 
ing as he crosses over to her.] The girl's [put- 
ting his hand on her shoulder, gently.] — dying, 
Helen. 

Helen. [Starting.] Dy-mgl [As he nods 
slowly — looking around the room, her eyes 
widening, incredulously. ] Here — alone in this 
room — ^with only that horrible woman? 

[The Dean starts to speak, checks himself, 
listening intently. 



94 The Price 



[Helen also listening^ clutches Ms arm, her 

face strained, breathless. 
[The sound of footsteps grows louder, more 
distinct. The door opens and Sam 
Weber holes in. The look of relief which 
has come into Helen's face changes, with 
a start, to one of recognition. 
Sam. [Coming in reassuringly.] It's all — 

ri [Breaking off, as he sees The Dean.] 

What in the hell are you doing here? 

[Poleman and Garvin appear hesitatingly 
in the doorway. 
The Dean. [Facing him.] That is my 
question exactly, sir. 

Sam. [Snickering.] Oh, is it? 

[To Garvin and Poleman.] Come on, come 

on 

[Helen, leaning forward, her eyes on Sam, 
talks rapidly to the Dean, ivho, listening, 
looks at Sam, his lips compressed. 



The Price 95 



[Sam jerking his head in their direction, mut- 
tering.] Old Hag must have let them in. 

The Deai!^. [Coming down a step, very 
alert and bright-eyed.] On the contrary, I 
opened the door myself. As a personal friend 
of Dr. Maclain. I know where the key is kept. 
[Bitterly. ] Are you a personal friend, also ? 

Sam. [Savagely.] I^ot much — I ain't no 
friend of his'n — I'm the poor girl's friend. 
[Helen starts, a look of loathing and re- 
pulsion comes into her face as she 
watches. 

PoLEMAN. That's what. [Pulling hack his 
hat, jerking down his waistcoat, aggressively.] 
We're all her friends. 

Helen. [Shuddering, looking from one to 
the other, in a whisper. Friends 

The Dean. Ah! [Sweetly, inquiringly, 
turns to Garvin, who is looking most uncom- 
fortable.] And you — are you also a friend, Mr. 
Garvin ? 



96 The Price 



Gaevin. [Twenty- five, very gentlemanly 
looking; confused.] Why — why [Hesi- 
tates.] 

Sam. [Quichly.] No, he ain't. He's here 
on business. State's business. 

The Deak. [Staring at Mm.] State? 

Sam. Yep. So you'd better keep yer fingers 
off or skip. [With a looJc at Helen.] You 'n 
yer lady friend. 

The Dean. [His face stiffening — in an 
anxious whisper.] Helen, this is no place for 
you. [Hurriedly J protestingly.] That is the 
Assistant District Attorney. [Swallowing 

quichly.] It — it — is not as I [Breaking 

off as she looks at him quietly — putting his hand 
on her arm.] You are too young, child. 

Sam. [Nodding emphatically.] That's right 
— this ain't goin' to be no tea party. 

Helei^. [Shaking her head.] I'm — I'm not 
young any longer — I [Controlling her- 



The Price 97 



self.] It was because of me — you know 



[Breahing ojf.] Let me stay. I may be of use. 
[Putting her hand on his arm] Let me stay — 
I — I ask it. 

Sam. [Turning away,, contemptuously,] 

Pish [Turning, comes down stage. 

[The Dean, patting her hand, turns away, 

drawing out his handkerchief, blows his 

nose vigorously, comes down stage, 

slowly. 

Sam. [Stooping over sofa; to Garvin.] 

Here's the girl, Garvin. 

[Garvin comes down, looJcing sheepish and 

uncomfortable. 

[The Dean moves toward them a few steps, 

leaving Helen standing to right of table. 

PoLEMAiT. [Who has taken up position at 

foot of sofa, dubiously, watching Sam's efforts 

to rouse Hedria.] Say, we ought to have come 

sooner, we ought. 



98 The Price 



[The Dean, with a quick look, moves 
nearer, 
Sam. [With a quick sidelong look at the 
Dean; to Poleman, savagely. 1 Some more light 
here, will yer? 

[Poleman, turning, hurries to window, 
jerks up hlind to the top, letting the sun 
stream in full on the couch and Hedria, 
who, turning, buries her face deeper into 
the pillows, with a half-moan. 
[Sam, coming around to head of sofa, takes 
up position, his hack to audience, looking 
at Hedria. 
The Dean. [Coming down to right of Gar- 
vin, looking at him intently.] I understand, 
then, Mr. Garvin, you were sent for? 

[Helen, coming down left, stands watching 
Sam, 
Gaevin. [Starting.] Why [Avoid- 
ing Helen's eyes, as she looks at him.] Car- 



The Price 99 



tainly — certainly. [With a quick look toward 
Helen, flushing.^ An extremely unpleas- 
ant 

The Dean. [Interrupting.] The girl — 
sent for you ? 

Garvin. Why 

Sam. [Looking up, fu7iously.] Look a- 
here, Garvin, we ain't got no time to answer 
fool questions. She's dying. 

PoLEMAN. [Coming hack from window, as 
he passes Garvin; imitathig Sam.] That's 
right, that is. [Wagging his head at him.] 
First thing you know, you'll go an' blab. 

Sam. [Whirling around on Poleman.] Will 

you 

[Poleman, subsiding, slinks up hack and 
takes up position near tahle. Now sit- 
ting in chair, now rising and moving up 
and down. 

[To Garvin, as with great show of official 



100 The Price 



dignity, crosses to sofa, bending over Hedria.] 
Damn it, I can't bring her around. [Shaking 
her.] Hedria! Hedria! 

[The Dean, who has taken up his position 
at the head of couch, clutches his arm, 
jerking it away, 
Helen. [Taking a step nearer, facing Sam; 

passiona tely. ] Don't 

Sam. [Glaring from the Dean to Helen.] 
'NoWy yer — don't interfere. Tkis is the law, 
this is [Shaking her again, hut less vio- 
lently.] Hedria 

[Garvin, as Helen is evidently about to ap- 
peal to him, turns abruptly and crosses 
over to right. 
Hedria. [Opening her eyes, moaning.] Oh! 
can't yer leave me alone, Sam? [Coughing.] 
Can't yer see I ain't fit ? [Struggling to a half- 
sitting position, weakly.] Which is it — ^the 

[Garvin, picking up straighthack chair. 



The Price 101 



brings it bach and sets it down, to the 
right of Sam, with back to Helen. Sit- 
ting, with an air of great determination 
— drawing out pad and pen. 

Sam. [Savagely, hurriedly.] 'No — no 

[Pointing to Garvin.] This is Mister Gar- 
vin [As she stares at him.] The Assist- 
ant District Attorney. 

Hedeia. [Wonderingly.] Dis-trict At-tor- 
ney ? 

Sam. Yes — yes Come to hear yer 

story 

Hedeia. M — story ? 

Sam. Yes — about Doctor Maclain [As 

she stares at him.] What he's done for yer 

Hedeia. What he done? 
Sam. [Savagely.] Yes. Yer wanted to 
get even, Hedria. You want to tell yer story. 
[Helen comes around back of sofa, taking 
up her stand facing Sam, and, inciden- 
tally, Garvin. 



102 The Price 



Hedeia. [Putting her hand to her head.] 

I — I — can't think You — you tell it, Sam. 

Tell anything you want [Dropping hack, 

closing her eyes.] I'll — swear to — it. 

Sam. [Impatiently.'] ISTow! ]^ow! Hedria. 
[Shahing her roughly.] Hedria 

Helen. [As the Dean starts forward, his 
eyes blazing — her hand closing on Sam's wrist — 
loohing at him.] Stop ! 

Sam. [Wrenching loose.] Will yer 

[To Hedria, hut not touching her.] Hedria, 
yer ain't goin' to bring Mister Garvin here for 

nothin' ? Yer sent for him That's what. 

Now, come sit up. [Putting his arm around 
her, getting her in a sitting position.] That's 
the girl. [Stuffing pillows hehind her, roughly. 

Hedeia. [Coughing and shivering.] I — 

I'm so cold 

[The Dean slips off his overcoat. Helen, 
taking it, puts it around Hedria. 



The Price 103 



Sam. Cold ? That's easy 

[To Poleman.] Got yer bot? 

PoLEMAN. [Searching through his pochets,] 
N^ope. [Comes down a little^ scratching his 
head. 

The Dean. If it is stimulants you want — I 
have sent for some. 

Sam. [Looking up.] Yer did, did yer? 
[Sharply.] Who'd yer send? 

The Dean. The woman I found here. 

Sam. Sallie— Whiskey Sallie ? [Tittering.] 

He ! Say, did yer think she'd come back 

[BreaJcs off, as the call-hell rings in jerks with- 
out stopping. 

[Poleman hurries toward it, hut the Dean 
steps hetween and picks up the receiver. 

The Dean. Well? [Listens, quietly, as if 
to some one speaking.] Very well. [Looking 
across at Sam, meaningly.] The stimulants 
HAVE COME. [Snaps up receiver. 



104 The Price 



PoLEMAN. [Giving way to Ms feelings, 
which Sam almost suppresses, hut not quite.] 
The Devil! [Hurriedly.] Here, I'll get them. 
[Starts toward door. 

Helen. [Crossing quickly. ] ]^o, I'll do 
it [scathingly], Mr. Poleman. [Goes out 
quichly, shutting door. 

Sam. [Turning, facing the Dean, his lips 
curling hack.] JSTow, look a-here 

The Dean. [Meeting look for look.] I'm 
looking; Fm looking hard [accenting it], Sam 
Weh-er. 

[The door opens and Sallie enters, followed 
hy Helen. 

Sallie. [Coming down, not quite steadily, 
carrying a quart hottle, with ah out a pint of 
whiskey in it; leering at Sam.] Say, yer 
thought you'd lock me out, didn't yer? 
[Chuckling.] Yer smart, Sam, yer mighty 
smart, but yer ain't so smart as a woman when 



The Price 105 

she's got liq-u-or in he — her — and [dropping 
her voice] — wants more. [Looking at him^ 
gloatingly,] Lots more. [As Sam, coming 
down, tries to snatch flask from her; drawing 
back.] You'll get it when [leering at him] — 
I get my ten dollars. 

Sam. [Staring at her.] I never said nothin' 
about no ten. 

Sallie. [Chuckling.] May be yer didn't; 
may be yer didn't; may be yer said two. But 
then yer didn't know nothin' about the — ^the — 
ambulance. 

[Sam starts visibly; Poleman opens his 
mouth, but, a quick look from Sam, shuts 
it again. 

[Sallie, jeeringly.] Say, what do yer think 
the Doctor '11 do when he finds I wouldn't let 
'em take her 'way? [Triumphantly.] "No — I 
— I wouldn't. [Chuckling.] I — wouldn't let 



06 The Price 



Sam [Furiously,] Will yer 

Sallie. All — right — all right; but if yer 
don't know what the doctor '11 say — I do — and 
two bats don't pay fer it. I says ten and yer'll 
say ten. Yer know [jerking head in direction of 
Helen and the Dean, significantly] — ^when the 
boot's on the wrong foot. [Chuckling.] Yer 
bet yer do. 

Sam. [Turning hack, his face purple; sav- 
agely, to Hedria, bending over her, holding out 
cup.] Here, yer 

Helen. [Coming around sofa, holding out 
her hand; quietly.] Let me give it to her 

Sam. [Meeting her look, handing it to her; 
grudgingly.] As you like. [Crossing over to 
table — right. 

Helen. [Slipping down on her knees be- 
side Hedria; holding up cup to Hedria's lips; 
in a whisper.] Hedria! Hedria! 

[Hedria opens her eyes slowly, a look of 



The Price 107 



hate comes into them for a moment; she 
looks at her, then looking away, swallows 
with evident difficulty, 
Sam. [Putting down bottle; to Sallie, below 
his breath.] Fll remember this ! 

Sallie. [Leering at hifn.] That's right. 
That's [breaks off as he turns, with a muttered 
imprecation; and goes back to Hedria, her eyes 
riveting on the bottle, her fingers twitching'] — 
all — ri-ght. 

Sam. [Coming around to the left of sofa, 
taking the cup away from Helen.] She's had 
enough of that. That ain't whiskey; it's 
"Schnapps." [Bitting down on end of sofa, set- 
ting the cup on the floor.] It'd kill her. [Slip- 
ping his arm around back of Hedria, pulling 
her forward.] Now, yer all right, ain't yer? 
[Helen rises slowly, and returns to original 
position, hack of sofa. 
Hedeia. [ Utterly exhausted; in a whisper. ] 
Y-es. 



108 The Price 



Sam. [Turning to Garvin.] N^ow, this here 
girl's name is Hedria Meyers. Ain't it, Hedria ? 

Hedeia. [With closed eyes.] I — ^guess 

[Helen loohs at Garvin steadily as he writes 
it down. 
Sam. That's right. 

[To Garvin, irritably, as he fumbles with his 
papers, evidently much disconcerted.] Got that 
down? 

Gaevin. [With a quick and nervous looh at 
Helen; writing.] Ye-s- — Hedria Meyers; yes — 
yes. 

Sam. [Pulling Hedria forward, roughly. 
[Helen puts her hand on his arm, her eyes 

blazing. 
[Sam glares at her for a minute, then 
slightly relaxes his hold on Hedria. 
[To Hedria.] 'Now — now. Don't keep him 
waiting. 

[Helen, bending down, rearranges pillows 
behind Hedria. 



The Price 109 



[The Dean, moving a little to the left, now 

watches Garvin, Helen, Sam. 
[Sallie sits, her eyes glued on the bottle, 
evidently trying to resist the temptation. 

Hedeia. [Looking around her as if bewil- 
dered. ] Waiting ? 

Sam. [Sharply.] Yes, for yer story. Go 
ahead. 

Hedeia. [Speaking in a low, hesitating 
voice.] My mother and father's [looking at 
Sam, hesitating, as he nods] — dead 

Sam. [Nodding.] An "orphant," a poor 
little "orphant" girl. [Putting his hand on 
Redrias shoulder, his fingers tightening. 

Hedeia. [Wincing.] And I — I — was a 
[looking at Sam, his fingers tightening; shrink- 
ing away] — ^working [Looks at him in an 

uncertain, frightened way. 

Sam. [Nodding.] A good honest living. 

Hedeia. And then — and then — I met 
him [Breaks off. 



no The Price 



Sam. [Eagerly.] And then [as Hedria 

falters, tightening his fingers] — ^then 

Hedria. He — he 

Helei^. [Defiantly.] N'o. 
Sam. [Starting.] Hey! [Rising, and fac- 
ing her; savagely.] E^ow, look a-here. I've 
had enough of yer. [Sitting down.] Go on. 
[Sallie, having moved nearer and nearer 
the bottle, reaches out, takes it, uncorks 
it, smells, then recorks it and puts it 
hack. Then takes it again, uncorks it, 
takes a sip, corks and puts it hack. 
Helen. 'No. [Putting her hand on Hedria' s 
arm; passionately.] Hedria, think what 

you're 

Sam. [Springing to his feet in a rage.] 

Damn it! E'ow, out you get 

The Deaw^. [Coming between him and 
Helen, facing him.] iNTot until you — "get." 

Sam. You wont, won't yer ? I'll call a po- 
liceman. 



The Price 111 



The Dean. Call a policeman, by all means. 
[Sallie reaches for bottle, takes first one 
sip, then another and another. Now 
she raises the bottle to her lips, and 
drinks it; sits, limply clutching it, sway- 
ing slightly. 
Sam. [8haMng his fi^rst at him.] By God, 
I will. 

[Turning to Garvin, querulously.] Look-a- 
here, Garvin, look-a-here. [Jerking his head 
toward Helen.] Yer ain't goin' to have the 
law interfered with, are yer? 

Garvin. [Greatly flustered.] As you say, 
Sam. [Hurriedly, as Helen, raising her head, 
looks at him.] Mr. Weber, painful as it is at 

times, the law's the law 

Helen. [Facing him; passionately.] And 
the truth's the truth. Oh! You can see, you 
must see, it's all lies. [With a quick, scornful 
look towards 8am.] His lies — his 



112 The Price 



Sam. [Whirling around, furiously.] 'Now, 
look a-here, Garvin — look a-here — are you goin' 
to hear this here [pointing toward Hedria) — 
girl's story or not ? 

Gaevii^. [Stammering.] Why^ — really 

[looking at 8am] — I — I [As Sam loohs 

at him; hurriedly.] As Mr. Weber says. I'm 
not here to — ^to think. I'm merely to take down 
a statement, a sworn statement. 

Heleist. [Drawing in her breath.] Oh! 
[half-turning away from Garvin. 

Sam. [Bringing his fist down on the hack 
of sofa.] Exactly. [As Sallie, waking with a 
start, falls with a crash to the floor; turning, 
furiously.] What the hell 

Sallie. [Struggling to her feet; furiously.] 
What's yer wake me up for? What yer wake 

me — up [Suddenly looking up, listening, 

beginning to sing in a piercing, cracked voice, 
as if keeping time to an instrument] Be it ever 
so — ^humble Be it ever s-o 



The Price 113 



Hedeia. [With a cliohing soh.'\ Oh! Stop 
it. Stop it. Oh! God, won't some of youse 
stop it? 

Sam. [Crossing over to Sallie; savagely.] 
Here, you. Drop that. [Seizing her.] Yer 
git out of this. [Half-pulls, half-drags her, still 
singing, toward the door. 

[To Poleman, as he comes in.] Here, throw 
her out, will yer ? 

Helen. [Shrinking.] Oh! Oh! [Turn- 
ing away.] Oh! 

Sallie. [As Poleman seizes her, waving her 
arms around feebly.] Ho-me, S-we-et [he pulls 
her out, her voice dying away] — H-om-e. 

Sam. [Slamming the door, coming hacJc; 
muttering.] Damn drunken sot. [Resuming 
place on sofa, putting his hand on Hedria, as 
she shrinks away from him; sharply.] 'Now, 
then. [Trying to pull her hack. 

Hedria. [Breahing out, wildly.] Oh, ain't 



114 The Price 



yer goin' to leave me alone ? Ain't I ever goin' 
to have no peace? [Burying her head in the 
pillows^ shivering and coughing, 

Sam. [Bending over Hedria; roughly.] 
What's the matter with jer ? [Shaking her, hut 
not roughly.] Come, tell Garvin what hap- 
pened after you met the Doctor. [Pulling her 
bach again. 

Hedria. [Utterly exhausted.] I — I — don't 
remember. 

Sam. [Pressing her shoulder savagely.] 

Don't yer [She winces away.] Tell him 

how he coaxed yer up here. 

Hedeia. [Hesitatingly.] He — h-e 

Helei^. [Flinging herself on her hnees he- 
side her.] Hedria! Listen to me. [As she 
stares straight in front of her, catching her 
arm.] 'No, you must, you shall listen to me. 
[Hedria turns a little, her eyes contracting. 

You don't know, you don't realize what you 



The Price 115 



are doing. You are ruining him. Ruining a 
man who has never done anything — ^who has 
never harmed you. [As Hedria turns away 
from her; passionately.] Oh! you shall not 
[with a choking soh] — you shall not. You're 
dying, Hedria. 

Hedeia. [Looking at her; slowly, in a whis- 
per,] Yes, that's right. I ain't much older 
than — ^youse, but I'm dying. [Jerking away, 
savagely.] I've lived as youse made me, but 
I'll die as I please. 

Helen. [Clutching her arm.] 'No — n-no. 
As you go before God crying mercy — be merci- 
ful. As you pray for — pity 

Hedria. Pray? [With a little dry, hitter 
laugh; looking straight before her.] No — I 
guess I won't pray. [Slowly, as if to herself.] 
I used — ^to. I seen it in the papers they'd 
bring about — praying — about getting what you 
ask for [her voice quivering; smiling a little] — 



116 The Price 



and I used to ask for a chance — just one. 
[Turning and facing Helen; her eyes blazing.] 
And now, you come here — you and the rest of 
youse — asking mercy and pity. Youse^ — who'd 
a walked in the gutter than touch me. [Laugh- 
ing.] Me Youse never asked — youse 

never cared — I wasn't fit to talk about. [LooJc- 
ing at her; slowly] I can't talk like youse — I 
ain't got the words. [In a low, vibrating voice, 
trembling with passion.] I ain't got nothing 
but — hate. 

Helen. [In a low, strangled voice.] But I 
didn't know [with a sob] — Hedria. 

Hedria. [Savagely.] And you didn't want 
to know. ISTone of youse wanted to know. 
[Breahing out in a passion.] It weren't no- 
body's business. Nobody cares. ISTobody 
[slowly] — ex-cept — Sam. [Looking straight in 
front of her; in a whisper.] Sam's been good 
to me. He never beat me, and he saved me — 



The Price 117 



when — ^when lie could. [Loohing at Mm, smil- 
ing a little, her voice weakening. ] I guess — I 

guess — I'll [Collapsing.] Whiskey 

[As Sam holds the cup up to her; pushing it 
away, coughing and choMng.] I — c-an't swal- 
low [Gasping.] You — ^you'd better 

hurry — up. 

[Helen rises, shaking with suppressed sohs, 
and crossing over to table, stands with 
her bach to them, trying to control her- 
self. 
Sam. [To Garvin.] We'll cut the first part 
out. I'll swear to that, and we'll come to last 
night. 

[Helen, loohing up, half-turns, listening in- 
tently. 
You see, she cleared out when she heard 
about his marrying another woman. So last 
night he sent for her. Said he "wanted to fix 
it up nice and comfy." Hey ! Hedria ? 



118 The Price 



Hedeia. [Her eyes closed; gasping,] Y-es. 

Sam. And wlien he got her here, he locks the 
door 

Helen. [Turning, her voice qmvering,] 
That's not true. 

Sam. [Savagely,] !N"ot 

Helen. [Defiantly; coming down, meeting 
his look, her face deadly white.] No, 

Sam. [MimicMng her,] No? [Jeeringly,] 
How yer goin' to prove it? 

Helen. I was here. 

[Garvin starts, the pen drops to the floor 
and he sits, staring at her, 

[Loohing away, her face quivering,] I — I 
came to tell him — something. 

Sam. [Savagely,] You did, did yer? 

Helen. [Defiantly,] Yes. And the door 
was open then. 

Sam. [Sneeringly,] Oh, yes, then. But 
after you left, hey? [Looking at her, gloat- 
ingly.] After you left? 



The Price 119 



Helen. [Looking at him, her face whiten- 
ing; moistening her lips.] After I 

Sam. Yes. [Chuckling.] He! he! After 
you left 

Helen. [Raising her head, looking at him; 
slowly.] What if I didn't leave? 

Sam. You — didn't 

Gaevin. [Rising.] Miss Clo [Break- 
ing off.] You do not [stammering] — you — 
cannot [Breaks off. 

The Dean. [Speaking at the same time.] 
Helen! [Coming down; pleadingly.] My 
child ! 

Helen. [Putting her hand in his, appeal- 
ingly; turning, and facing Garvin, her voice 
tremhling.] My father objected to — to our 
marriage. [Raising her head, moistening her 
lips.] He — he — ^will not object — now. [The 
Deans hand closes over hers; looking at him, 
for a moment, with moist eyes. ] The Dean — 



120 The Price 



the Dean came here — came [Breaking 

off,] As my father's friend — as an old friend 
of the family — he will marry us this morning. 

Sam. Yer lying. [Shahing Hedridj roughly.] 
She's lying, Hedria. [As she does not answer,] 
Do yer hear, she's lying. 

Hedria. [Without opening her eyes, half- 
conscious.] I'll say — any-thing — ^y-ou — ^want 

— Sam — any-thing [Her words trail 

away. 

Sam. [Loohing up, facing Helen, his face 
purpling.] Look a-here 

[Pointing to Garvin.] Do you expect him 
to believe — that — against this here girl's state- 
ment — her sworn statement? 

Helen. [Loohing at him.] It will be her 
sworn statement against my sworn statement. 
[The door opens and Peter comes in. See- 
ing them, he starts, then stands, watch- 
ing; door partly closed. 



The Price 121 



Sam. [Furiotisly.] There ain't a word of 
truth in it. 

Helen. If hers is true, then mine is true. 

[Coming down closer; in a cold, quiet voice.] 

Which do you think a jury would believe? 

[Peter, his whole face lighting, closes the 

door noiselessly, hesitates, still doubting. 

Sam. [LooJcing at her, his lips curling hack.] 

You [As the Dean comes forward a step, 

hreaJcing off. ] For a pie-faced white girl, you're 
slick. But yer ain't quite slick enough. 

[Peter comes down a few steps, his eyes on 
Sam Weher. 
Yer can lie yer ' 'steady" out of jail — maybe 
— but yer can't lie out yer father. 

Helen. [LooJcing up, quichly.] Father ? 
[Garvin, suddenly seeing Peter, tries to 
warn Sam. 
Sam. Yes. [Noticing nothing; through his 
teeth.] Yer father. 



122 The Pri 



rice 



[Peter, crossing, catches him by the collar. 

[Chohing and struggling.] Let — go — go — 

me. Let — g [Breahs off, sputtering and 

choking, as Peter shakes him like a rat. 

Helen. [White to the lips.] Petee 

[8am' s face grows a mottled red; in a whisper.] 
You're killing him, Peter. 

Petee. [His fingers closing on Sam's neck, 
firmly.] 'No, I'm not killing him — I'm only 
doing a little [flinging him from him] — of what 
he did to Eosie March. [Sam catches himself 
against the table. 

Sam. [His face ashy.] Eosie — March 

[Coming a step nearer, his hands like talons, 
his face twitching; hoarsely.] What yer know 

about — ^Eosie March [Looking at him, 

his eyes like a trapped rat, his lips curling away 
from his teeth.] What — ^yer — ^know 

Hedeia. [Catching a familiar name; in a 
whisper.] Eosie — ^Eosie March [Shiver- 
ing.] Sh-she's dead. 



The Price 123 



Sam. [ Wheeling on her; with a snarl. ] Will 

yer 

[Hedria shrinks as if expecting a Mow, 

[Turning.] It's a lie. Whatever ske says 
— it's a lie. 

Petee. [Loohing at Mm; in the same low, 
firm voice.] You'll have to prove that to twelve 
men [with a quich, scathing look towards Gar- 
vin] — that aren't picked. [Garvin starts. 
Smiling at Bam; contemptuously.] You're 
clever — a little bit too clever. When you sent 
a dying woman to die on my doorstep, you for- 
got that the dying ialk. [Dropping his voice, 
speaking slowly.] And I sat — alone with her — 
all night 

Sam. [Coming quite close to him; sneer- 
ingly.] And you think her talk 

Peter. [Quietly.] 'Eo — this. [Drawing 
out a piece of folded hrown paper, as Sam starts, 
holding it out toward him, hut just out of his 



124 The Price 



reach; with a smile that is not pleasant.] Can 
you read — it ? 

Sam. [After one look, shrinking away; 
hoarsely,] Where 'er get it? [Putting his 
quivering fingers over his mouth,] Damn 
you. 

Petee. Out of your desk, in your house, 
with the aid of a search warrant, and "Law and 
Order detective [looking at him, smiling] — 
after Sallie brought "Old Izzy's'' message. 
[With a short laugh.] Poor old "Izzy" — had 
to get another doctor, didn't he ? 

Sam. [Making a spring, trying to snatch the 
paper, Peter catches his arm, none too gently.] 
It's a lie. I — I kept it [trying to twist away] 
— to — ^to scare the girls. [Whining,] It's a 
lie. 

Petee. Yes [Letting go of him, 

quietly,] It's a lie [emphasizing it] — if your 
papers are lies. If you bring them to me to- 
morrow, I'll give you yours. 



The Price 125 



Sam. [Moistening his lips.] Yer will? 
[Forcing a smile.] Say, that's square Doc; 
that's square. Well let bygones be bygones. 

Petee. Yes — bygones will be bygones. 
We'll begin new to-morrow. You bring me the 
papers up here, and I'll kick you downstairs. 

Sam. [With forced leer.] Now, yer talking. 

Peter. Yes, now ; but to-morrow I'll be do- 
ing. You have your choice, Mr. Weber, either 
a kicking or a hanging; and we'll see that your 
friend, the Assistant District Attorney, 
HELPS DO it. [Crosses toward door. 

Sam. [Following him, his face whitening.] 
S ay — say — now. 

Hedria. [Opening her eyes; in a whisper.] 
Sam — Sam 

Sam. [Wheeling around, white with fury.] 
Sam! [Crossing toward her.] I'll Sam you. 
[Raises his clinched hand. 

[The Dean starts forward just as Helen 



126 The Price 



slips between. In two strides Peter 

crosses, Ms hand closing on Sarnfs throat, 

Sam falls to his Tcnees, strangling, 

Helen. [Catching Peters arm, with a 

frightened sob,] What if you killed him — 

Peter 

Petee. Kill him? [Jerhing him to his 
feet; through his teeth.] 'Now go. 

Sam. [After one hole, starts to the door, 
darts out, almost closing it. Then thrusting 
his head in; with a snarl, jerhing his head,] 

Come on, yer [Disappears. 

Garvin. [Trying to save his ''face/' but only 
making a pitiable mess of it] Why — ^why — 
certainly. [Crosses hurriedly, goes out closing 
the door quickly behind him, 

[Helen, coming to Peter, her eyes swim- 
ming, holds out her hands with a little 
eloquent gesture, asking forgiveness. 
He takes them, raises them to his lips. 



The Price 127 



Then^ as Hedria hegins to speak, she 
draws them away slowly, ashing him 
mutely to do what he can, Peter, clasp- 
ing her fingers in his, turns away and 
crosses to sofa, Helen stands, her hach 
to the audience, fighting for control. 
Hedeia. [Who has struggled in a half -sit- 
ting position, staring at Peter; in a questioning, 
chohing, whisper.'] He's [groping .around, 
touching the Deans sleeve, speaking in a low, 
rasping voice, panting for breath] — he's — gone 
—ain't h-e ? 

The Dean. [Pityingly.] Yes, Hedria. 
Hedeia. [Hoarsely.] It's so da-rk. W-hy 
do-n't the-y open the shut-ters ? 

The Dean. [Brokenly.] Why, child, the 
sun is shining on your face. 

Hedeia. [Increduously.] T-he — sun 

The Dean. [Brokenly.] Yes, God's sun. 
Hedeia. [Feeling his sleeve, her face light- 
ing.] There's a God, ain't there? 



128 The Price 



The Dean. [Dropping down on his Jcnees 
beside her; Helen turning^ comes down and 
stands at the foot of sofa,] A God of mercy, 
of love, of pity. 

Hedkia. [Looking over him, into space; 
slowly.] Don't — don't lie to me. There's a 
God, but [drawing herself up a little] — ^he ain't 
your God. He's the only God I knowed — ^the 
God — that made — Hell. [Gripping his arm, 
looking at him with glittering, unseeing eyes.] 
There's— a— Hell, ain't— there ? 

The Dean. [Taking her hand between his; 
tenderly, pleadingly.] Hedria, try to think 

Hedeia. [Looking up and over him, strug- 
gling to raise herself. 

[Peter, who has been watching her at 
tentively, bends over, slipping the pil- 
lows back of her, supporting her. 

There's a Hell, and that's — ^where — ^I'm go- 
in' [Drawing herself upright, her eyes 



The Price 129 



glittering, her voice vibrating with hate, almost 
ivith exaltation,] Vm goin' — ^to wait — ^to wait 

— for [Slowly, the words slip away from 

her, her eyes glazing.] To w-ait [Col- 
lapses suddenly into Peter s arms. 

The Dean. [Rising, as Peter gently lays her 
hack against the pillows and nods slowly, raising 
his hands, his voice trembling.] "Into Thy 

hands, O Lord" 

[Helen slips onto her knees, sobbing. 

CURTAIN. 



Si HI 











,^^•^0 









V" <^ -o»« ^V -^ '" ^-^ ., -V^ 



•^* 




"^oV* 



0* "*^ 




■n^o^ 








v^ 
'?^. 



■3" ^. 



.^'\ 







'^9- 




^\ %.A 




\ J" ^^S^* U A^ *i( 




■mi '« 





%.^^ .- 















I i jiiftlif f iil ill I 



